Browns vs Steelers odds and predictions: Who is the favorite in the NFL Monday Night game?

Performance-wise, the teams are on the absolute opposite side of the scale after the first week of NFL action. The Browns come into this one following an excellent performance, while their opponents have definitely seen better days. With that said, it would be a mistake to think this one is a foregone conclusion.

Browns vs Steelers: The lay of the land

In Week 1 of the 2023-24 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that just two seasons ago was in the Super Bowl, and continues to be one of the top teams in the league ever since. The 24-3 win that the Browns recorded was by far the most impressive of the first week. Conversely, the Browns’ opponents this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers, were mauled by the San Francisco 49ers in a 30-7 loss, probably the worst of the opening round.

Yet, it would be naive to believe that we won’t see Mike Tomlin’s men rebound from the tough loss to the Niners. Indeed, another factor that’s in their favor is the fact that the team has recorded a 19-3 record on Monday Night Football since Tomlin’s arrival. That’s to say, expect the Steelers to play much better in Acrisure Stadium than they did at home last week. To that end, while it would be understandable if you bet on the Browns continuing to build momentum after their stunning win over the Bengals, the reality is quarterback Deshaun Watson wasn’t exceptional against the team that lost to eventual Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs, in the AFC championship game earlier this year. To make matters worse for Watson, he will be playing without the protection of All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin, who’s out for the season after suffering a brutal knee injury against Cincinnati.

The Steelers will be banking on their pedigree

As mentioned above, the Steelers come into this game with a more than stellar Monday Night Football record. Tomlin has established himself as one of the league’s best coaches and that is in no small part to the way in which his team not only adjusts to losses but prepares for opponents. The key here will be to give quarterback Kenny Pickett adequate support through the running game. If the team can achieve that, it will go a long way toward allowing them to focus more on containing Cleveland’s wide receivers, something that is definitely doable when considering the idea that Deshaun Watson has not played exceptionally well so far.

The Browns aren’t firing on all cylinders, but they aren’t limping

Though we’ve made it clear now that Watson wasn’t prolific in Week 1, that’s not to say that the Browns weren’t worth their win. Truth be told, they dominated one of the best teams in the league from start to finish. With that in mind, one has to believe that their odds are increased by the fact that the Steelers have also lost a key player in wide receiver Diontae Johnson who is out with a hamstring injury. Look for the Browns to fight tooth and nail in this one as they try to punctuate the marker that was laid down in Week 1.

Browns vs Steelers: The Odds

Browns vs Steelers: The Prediction

Something tells us that this is going to be a low-scoring affair. While it’s true that Cleveland’s offense was productive in Week 1, they’re about to face a team that has a daunting record against them and moreover, knows that it needs to win this game. Don’t be surprised if both teams struggle to put 20 points on the board. With that in mind, we’re going with a 17-15 Pittsburgh Steelers win.