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Steelers-Browns: Gettin' Ugly
On Thursday night the NFL Network brings us another special presentation of possibly the ugliest game in the sport’s history. Just how ugly will this Pittsburgh-Cleveland game be? Tiger Woods would not have sex with anyone attending or participating in this contest. By the looks of some of his busted up mistresses, that speaks volumes on just how unattractive this will be.
There is almost nothing to like about this matchup. The beautiful Cleveland weather will add snow, wind and rain to already harsh temperatures dipping into the high teens. The Browns are geared up for yet another last place finish at 1-11. The Steelers are fighting to save their season after dropping four straight. The Dog Pound hasn’t had anything to bark about since Bernie Kosar was suiting up for them. Regardless, I’m in the business of finding a winner in even the most horrid scenarios. And while fishing in this toxic pond, I managed to avoid hooking any old boots to reel in a prize catch or two. The Browns (+10) and the Under (34) will be looking mighty fine once the clock mercifully strikes zero on this messy meeting.
Pittsburgh has beaten Cleveland 12 straight times. There is obviously a really good chance that their slide ends in Cleveland, but they are in such a funk right now, that I’m calling a close game either way. Their last three games came against Kansas City, Baltimore and Oakland. They share a combined record of 13-23, and all of them were able to take out the defending champs. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has continued to put up some big numbers, but their dominant defense has shown weakness as of late. If you would’ve told me that Bruce Gradkowski could lead the Raiders down the field in under a minute for a game-winning touchdown drive at Heinz Field, I would’ve never believed you. But there you have it.Now we’re talking
Speaking of Roethlisberger, when these teams played in Pittsburgh in Week 6, he exploded to throw for over 400 yards. Derek Anderson was quarterbacking Cleveland back then (who exploded for 188 yards). Now it’s Brady Quinn leading the Browns attack again, and wouldn’t you know it, he’s putting up some great numbers himself recently. In his last three games, he has thrown for 675 yds with 7 TD’s and no picks. I’ve liked what I have seen from him lately, and banking that he is able to finish out the season strongly, to put Cleveland above .500 ATS for the year (currently 6-6).
Pittsburgh has been killing their backers this season (4-8 ATS) and with top playmaker Hines Ward listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury, look for things to only get worse. The Browns have covered in three consecutive weeks, and I feel almost crazy for saying it, but I’ll be on them once again.
Given the miserable weather conditions, a Pittsburgh defense that still ranks among the league’s best, and an absence of impact players on offense, I’m also loving the Under like a fat kid loves cake. I’m hoping for a scene straight out of the Iditarod. I want St. Bernards running in to rescue running backs after every other play. I want a 6-3 game.
I’m actually talking myself into taking a shot on the Cleveland moneyline as well (+425). I mean, why not? All good things must come to an end, and Pittsburgh’s title defense could receive a fatality blow from the men in brown on Thursday. Bring on the pain.
Brady Quinn is hot (throwing the ball)
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Originally Posted by pimike
