Steelers @ Browns NFL Thursday preview & top picks | Week 12

Steelers @ Browns best bets

Steelers @ Browns game preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cleveland to face the Browns this Thursday night in a tough divisional matchup to kick off Week 12 of the NFL 2024 season.

It has been an excellent start to the season for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, who beat the Ravens 18-16 last Sunday to make it five wins in a row. With top spot in the AFC North on the line, neither offense really got rolling. Despite not scoring a touchdown, a faultless 6/6 kicking effort from Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell proved the difference, while the defense stopped a late two-point try to secure the narrow win.

At 8-2, the Steelers sit third in the AFC and a game clear in the North. Pittsburgh hold the second-best defensive record in the NFL, while they also have a top-10 offense that doesn’t have a heavy reliance on either the pass or run game. At -200 with Bovada, the visitors are favorites this week.

Coach Tomlin has confirmed that linebacker Alex Highsmith will remain sidelined with an ankle injury this week, but otherwise, the Steelers hold one of the healthiest rosters in the NFL.

It has been a completely different story for the Browns, who lost by 21 points to the Saints last Sunday. After sitting at 14-14 through the first three quarters, the Browns collapsed late, conceding three late touchdowns in the blowout loss. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Jerry Jeudy took six catches for 142 yards and a touchdown.

Cleveland are already out of playoff contention with a record of 2-8, so don’t rule out the prospect of tanking through the back end of the season. They rank second from bottom in the NFL for points scored, while on defense they have struggled against the run throughout the season. As a result, the Browns are home underdogs at +165 with top NFL sportsbooks.

Adding to the Browns’ struggles, offensive tackle Dawand Jones (lower leg) and tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion) will miss this week. Star left tackle Jedrick Wills is expected to remain sidelined with a knee injury.

Steelers @ Browns betting strategy

In what could be the first snow game of the NFL season, expect both teams to rely heavily on the run game, which favors the Steelers. Due to injuries the Browns have a makeshift offensive line, which has hurt their run game. With a strong run game and plenty of quality on defense, Pittsburgh should do enough to cover the boosted line of -7 at +164 with leading online bookmakers.

With the combination of weather conditions and the Browns’ struggling offense, don’t expect too much scoring in this game. Each of the last three games at Huntington Bank Field have gone under the total points line, and the Steelers will be looking to run this one out from the start. AFC North matchups are known for being gritty affairs, so back this game to go under 36.5 points at -111.11 with top sports betting sites.

Given the conditions, expect both Steelers running backs to receive additional carries — particularly Jaylen Warren. Although he is the secondary option, Warren still averages 11 carries over the last four weeks and also offers a threat in the passing game, with multiple receptions in all but one game this year. Although he has not found the endzone in 2024, this week is the perfect opportunity for Warren to score at any time at +260 with Bovada.

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