Steelers vs Browns odds, spread, Over/Under, and betting trends | NFL Week 12

As we inch closer to the end of the regular season, divisional match ups are going to start becoming increasingly important as teams fight for playoff positioning. Week 12 begins with an AFC North showdown between two teams in very different positions. One is at the top of the division and eyeing the top seed in the conference while the other’s playoff chances have disappeared in what’s been a disastrous season. It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers traveling to Cleveland to take on a Browns team that has had very little to celebrate this season.

The match up

The Steelers are coming off of their biggest win of the season, but will have a quick turn around on a short week following their old school, rock ‘em sock ‘em bloodbath against Baltimore last week. The win solidified their place atop the division in what has been a surprising season to say the least in the Steel City. We always knew the defense was going to be capable of keeping this team competitive, and if they just got a little help on the offensive end that would spell trouble for the rest of the AFC. That’s exactly what has been brought in with Russell Wilson who took over in the middle of the season despite Justin Fields going 4-2 in the first six weeks of the season. Since Wilson came in under center the Steelers are undefeated and are posting 27.2 ppg. They are a game behind the Chiefs and tied with the Bills for the second spot in the AFC. If they can pull off a win in Cleveland on Thursday, they will get a mini BYE which could set them up for the final stretch of the season.

With the season all but over, the focus has shifted to what’s next for this Cleveland Browns franchise. Nothing has gone to plan for a team that made a shock run to the playoffs last season under the guidance of reigning Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. Things can change very quickly in this what have you done for me lately league. Stefanski knows that, but he is also unbothered by the questions and indications that he could be on the hot seat following a 2-8 start to the season. It’s been a season full of disappointment, starting with Deshaun Watson who was drastically underwhelming in his time as the Browns QB 1. He went down with a season ending injury, and Jameis Winston gave Cleveland fans something to believe in with a win over the Ravens, but that was over in a flash as reality sunk back in over the last couple of weeks with back to back losses. The only thing left to do this season is play spoiler and that’s what they have a chance to do on Thursday night against the Steelers.

It should come as no surprise that these teams have plenty of animosity towards each other considering their long and ferocious history. They have been in the same division since 1950 and have played each other twice a year for the last 74 years. In that time, the Steelers have held the 81-63-1 edge but lately it’s been pretty even. They have split the last 10 games, and the home team has won 8 of those 10 games including the Browns’ 13-10 win over the Steelers thanks to Dustin Hopkins’ game winning field goal in their last match up back in November.

Odds,Spread,Over/Under

This might be a game between two teams with very different records, but let’s not forget, it’s a division game on primetime on a short week. That’s why the Steelers are only a 3.5 point favorites and the Over/Under is set at 36.5.

Prediction

The Browns have stunk this year. That’s no secret, but they have played some good teams well and I think that’s where this 3.5 point spread comes from. Nothing but pride is on the line for the Browns who will host the Steelers on a rainy, cold day from Cleveland. I don’t know if the Browns pull off the win, but I think they keep it within four points against a Pittsburgh team that is coming off a brutal matchup with the Ravens. I like the under too, for what it’s worth.

Steelers win 17-14.