The Cleveland Browns will play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night as both teams seek to stay atop the early AFC North standings.
Both teams are also coming off tough Week 2 losses.
Pittsburgh fell at home 17-14 to the New England Patriots, while Cleveland suffered a meltdown that saw the Browns blow a 13-point lead with 1:55 remaining against the visiting New York Jets.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said there is no time for his team to dwell on the loss, and Cleveland enters the game as a 4.0-point favorite at BetRivers and DraftKings. The Steelers have been backed by 44 percent of the spread bets and 55 percent of the money at the former and 67 and 63 percent, respectively, at the latter.
The line opened at 3.5 points at BetMGM but has moved to 4.5 with the Steelers drawing 66 percent of the bets and 64 percent of the handle.
Kickoff at FirstEnergy Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Prime Video.
PROP PICKS
Over 38.0 Points (-110 at DraftKings): The market has settled at 38.5 points at the other two sportsbooks, with BetRivers reporting that the Under is 7-0 in games in which the points total is 38.5 or less the past three seasons. Despite a battle between journeyman quarterbacks, we like the extra half-point offered by DraftKings. Cleveland is allowing an average of 331.5 yards through two games while Pittsburgh is at 404.0.
Mitch Trubisky Under 194.5 Passing Yards (194.5 at BetMGM): Trubisky has passed for a combined 362 yards through two games while averaging only 5.1 yards per reception – which ranks 32nd among 33 qualifying quarterbacks in the NFL. The Steelers need to stretch the field more but BetMGM is offering a higher water mark in this prop – DraftKings is at 191.5 yards and BetRivers is at 193.5.
Nick Chubb Anytime TD (-122 at BetRivers): This has been the most wagered-on player prop at the sportsbook for this game. The natural hesitation is the presence of Kareem Hunt, who is averaging 15 touches per game. But Chubb has been red-hot to start the season, averaging 5.8 yards on 39 carries – three of which have finished in the end zone.
INJURY REPORT
Steelers: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was added to the injury report on Wednesday and missed practice due to muscle cramps but is expected to play. Linebacker Devin Bush practiced on Wednesday, a sign he’s ready to go and recovered from a foot injury.
Browns: Star defensive end Myles Garrett is dealing with a neck injury but is expected to play, as are right tackle Jack Conklin (knee) and guard Joel Bitonio (biceps). Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) was ruled out Monday.
PREDICTION
The Browns haven’t covered the spread in their past eight games as favorites against AFC North rivals, while the underdog has outright won the past three games in the series. We think Cleveland wins the game, but in a dogfight. –Browns 23, Steelers 20
–Field Level Media
