Our Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers prediction takes a look at the Week 18 matchup that features a strong AFC North rivalry. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Jan. 2.
Browns vs. Steelers Odds
- Spread
Steelers -3 - Moneyline
Steelers -150 - Over/Under
40 points
Browns vs. Steelers Prediction
The Browns were in an interesting situation for the 2023 season from the moment that they traded for Deshaun Watson this past offseason. A suspension was almost certainly going to be handed down by the league, but the team didn’t know exactly how long their long-term answer at QB was going to be on the sideline.
Watson was always going to be rusty after not playing since the end of the 2020 NFL season, which put the Browns’ prospects of competing this season at risk. It was a balance of competing right away versus building toward a better future for this franchise. The Browns chose the latter.
Cleveland is now officially eliminated from playoff contention this season, but they still have several reasons to compete in this game. First off, the Browns need to continue to see development from Watson at QB, and that simply comes with playing time.
Secondly, the Steelers have a slight chance of making the postseason if they win this matchup. Cleveland would almost certainly love to keep their long-time division rival out of the playoffs.
Third, the Browns have no incentive to lose this game, with Houston holding their first-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. A loss simply helps Houston achieve a higher draft pick, so we should see Cleveland strive to pull out a victory here in Week 18 and build some positive momentum heading into 2023.
As for the Steelers, Mike Tomlin has done the impossible. He’s gotten this Steelers team into a situation where they can make the postseason.
Despite having a rotating carousel at QB this year, losing key pieces on defense for extended periods of time, and despite all of the noise surrounding this team’s performance, Tomlin has now led this team to three straight victories.
MORE: Early NFL Week 18 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread
Pittsburgh now holds an 8-8 record, they have a chance to keep Tomlin’s impressive winning season record alive if they can pull off a victory in Week 18 over their division rival, and they can work their way into the playoffs if things go their way.
According to NFL Research, Pittsburgh can clinch the No. 7 spot in the AFC with a victory over Cleveland and a Miami loss to the Jets, plus a New England loss to Buffalo. Obviously, several things have to break their way, but there’s a possibility that we see this Steelers team in the 2022 NFL postseason next week.
This game is going to be incredible to monitor as the weekend unfolds.
Browns vs. Steelers Score Prediction
Steelers 21, Browns 18