The Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers meet Monday in NFL action from Acrisure Stadium. The Browns kicked off their 2023 campaign last weekend versus the Bengals. Cleveland managed to win by three touchdowns. As for the Steelers, they played the 49ers in their Week 1 matchup. In that one Pittsburgh posted a blowout loss. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns went 1-2-1 in preseason play this year. The win was over the Jets 21-16; the losses were versus the Commanders 17-15 and the Chiefs 33-32, while the tie was 18-18 against the Eagles. In this past Sunday’s Week 1 opener versus the Bengals, the Browns started slow but ultimately scored double-digit points in both the second and fourth quarters during a 24-3 win.
Cleveland got a few solid offensive efforts in their Week 1 win, but the defense really stood out. QB Deshaun Watson notched 154 yards with a TD and a pick, while Nick Chubb was tops on the ground with 106 yards off 18 carries. Elijah Moore was the leading receiver with three catches for 43 yards.
Cleveland Browns Team Facts
The Browns have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a win.
The Browns have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as road favorites against AFC opponents.
The favorites have won the first half in each of the Browns' last seven games.
The Browns have lost the first quarter in 10 of their last 11 road games against teams that held a losing record.
The Browns have scored the first touchdown in eight of their last nine games against AFC opponents.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Over on the Pittsburgh side, they ran the table at 3-0 in preseason play. The Steelers took out the Buccaneers 27-17, the Bills 27-15 and the Falcons 24-0 during their undefeated trio. In the Week 1 game versus the 49ers, Pittsburgh was down 20-7 by halftime. The Steelers didn’t score again in a 30-7 blowout loss.
The Steelers’ Kenny Pickett had some troubles in his 2023 debut, throwing for 232 yards, one TD and two interceptions on 31-of-46 passing. Allen Robinson was the team’s leading receiver on five catches for 64 yards, and Najee Harris had 31 yards off six carries to lead a near-nonexistent rush.
Pittsburgh Steelers Team Facts
The Steelers have won each of their last six games as home underdogs following a loss.
The Steelers have covered the spread in each of their last six games as home underdogs following a loss.
The Steelers have lost the first half in each of their last five home games in September.
The road team has won the first quarter in eight of the Steelers' last nine games.
The Steelers have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five Monday games.
Matchup/League Facts
The Steelers ranked T1st in the NFL in interceptions (20) last season
The Steelers ranked 32nd in the NFL in fumbles recovered (3) last season
The Browns ranked 5th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (196.2) last season
The Browns ranked 5th in the NFL in kickoff return yards per game (55.5) last season
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to take a stab on the Steelers. I’m also probably not touching this game, either. Pittsburgh’s Week 1 performance was pretty miserable. The offense generated just 239 yards (198 passing), 3.9 yards per play, 15 first downs, six penalties (for 60 yards) and two turnovers. The Steelers never really got going in any capacity, and the defense was out there forever (37:23 in 49ers time of possession). Still, Pittsburgh is a better team than that, and head coach Mike Tomlin should have the team ready for Week 2.
As for Cleveland, they had a great opener win against an extremely bad Bengals performance. The Browns went just 4-of-14 on third downs themselves, and also had two turnovers. Games between Cleveland and Pittsburgh are almost always close (regardless of the records) so I like this one to be tight with a slim Steelers cover/win.
