Pittsburgh Steelers One Point Underdogs Against Browns

Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the second half at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

I can’t even remember the last time the Pittsburgh Steelers were underdogs to the Cleveland Browns.  Maybe back in the early 2000’s when I was in college?  Heading into Sundays game, and as of Saturday morning, that’s just where the Steelers find themselves in the eyes of the betting community.  According to Bovada, the Browns are one point favorites over the Steelers and were as much as two point favorites on Friday.

Based on how the season has played out so far, I don’t think anyone is surprised.  The Steelers have been consistently inconsistent with their performance this season, and the Browns have had several come from behind surges – their latest just last week against the Titans and one already against the Steelers that just fell short.  The Browns are riding the emotional wave and boost of knowing they have what it takes offensively to come from behind, and that’s dangerous if you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers and traveling into the Dog Pound.  The spread might even out and be a push by the time the game starts on Sunday.

The Browns and Steelers are similar in a few areas.  Both teams have some of the stronger running games in the league.  Both teams are top ten rushing teams.  Both teams have porous secondaries.  The Browns will more than likely try to establish their run game early against the Steelers.  They will test the Steelers defensive line and its ability to control the line of scrimmage.  The resurgence of the running game and the insertion of Terrance West in the second half during the first contest between these two teams lead to the Browns’ comeback in Week 1.  They will likely start with that in order to control the field and the clock… and probably put some points up on the board along the way.  The Steelers defense might employ more pressure in passing situations, but if the run game is clicking for the Browns, the Steelers will need to commit more men to the box every down.

One would hope the Steelers would continue looking for a balance of running Le’Veon Bell and using the play action pass to give Ben Roethlisberger time to look for an open receiver down the field.  The offense struggled against the Bucs and the Jaguars – two teams with some of the weaker secondaries in the league – the last two weeks in moving the ball north/south instead of sideways (east/west).  However, there’s no sign that Todd Haley will deviate from his love of bubble screens and quick passes that gain five yards or less.

Make no mistake Steeler Nation – Vegas aside – the Browns are for real this season and have all the momentum going into Sunday’s game.  There’s no such thing as playing down to their competition as far as the Steelers go when they face the Browns this weekend.