Steelers vs. Browns Prediction – Steelers Depot

As we have done in the past, below are the keys and my prediction for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win (or lose) today’s game. Three things that need to happen for them to finish on the right side of the standings and vice versa in their Week 12 Thursday night game against the Cleveland Browns.

My Steelers’ prediction is at the bottom.

The Steelers will win if…

1. Jameis Winston throws some Classic-Winston INTs

Winston is a gunslinger. That sword cuts both ways. He’s brought energy and big-play ability that Deshaun Watson lacked, but he’s still reckless with the football and prone to making ill-advised throws. Pittsburgh has to make him pay. It would be a great chance for FS Minkah Fitzpatrick to get his first interception in nearly two years. But whoever the name on the back of the jersey is, the Steelers should come away with a pick or two against the Browns. If they do, it will be hard to lose this game.

2. Jerome Ford doesn’t let go

Nick Chubb is back and I don’t want to slow him down. He will definitely run all over the Steelers after getting hurt against them last season. But he just doesn’t look like the same guy, and he’s losing the burst and wiggle he used to have. Ford has been their best and most efficient runner with a much higher yards per carry. carry and run success rate.

The Browns will want him out on the perimeter, and the Steelers will have to defend that. Remember, Ford had 106 yards and a 69-yard scamper in the early meeting last season.

3. Pittsburgh creates confusion

The Browns’ defense is talented, but constantly deals with miscommunications and blown coverages. This has been an issue even in recent years when the defense was good, and it’s certainly been an issue this year where they’ve struggled. They allow big plays at high speed, including a pair of 70-yard touchdowns in last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Using stacks, bunches and switch/rub routes could emphasize the Browns’ defensive communication and create wide-open Steelers receivers for chunk plays and touchdowns.

The Steelers will lose if…

1. Steelers O-Line can’t find, pick up Myles Garrett

Everyone knows Myles Garrett needs to be slowed down, but the Steelers need to find him first. He usually plays RDE but will move around in obvious passing situations. Cleveland is actively using him for stunts and twists that the Steelers will have to identify and respond to.

LT Dan Moore Jr. is having a career season but will be tested against Garrett, who he has struggled with in recent years. Has not always been reflected in the box score, but on tape.

2. Cleveland will be difficult

Something Dave Bryan and I discussed on Wednesday’s The Terrible podcast. The Browns have nothing to lose. This game means everything to them, the chance to upset and spoil the Steelers’ five-game winning streak. They’re at home, it’s a primetime game, and they’re on a short week where Pittsburgh didn’t get much time to practice or prepare.

So watch out for the Browns to do something funky against the Steelers. A false point. A flea flicker. Something to try and swing the game in their favor and get the crowd going. Expect it to happen early in the game, just like the Dallas Cowboys attempted (a failed) fake punt against the Houston Texans on Monday night.

3. Secondary allows the long ball

Above we wrote about Winston’s penchant for eavesdropping. But he can also create big plays. Winston pushes the ball down the field and distributes to a solid group of skilled guys. One big play can change the complexion of the game, and Pittsburgh has given up its fair share of those in recent weeks. Watch for the wake-up call of a big catch-and-run from one of the Browns’ receivers.

Forecast

Steel machines: 17
Brown: 14

Season prediction record

5-5