Steelers vs. Browns Week 8 Picks: Can Rested Steelers Beat Banged-Up Browns?

Sportsbook Review

Last Updated: October 29, 2021 7:31 AM EDT • 2 min 6 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

Linebacker T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first half of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Heinz Field on September 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images via AFP.

The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cleveland for a vital Week 8 showdown with the Browns. These divisional rivals are currently outside the playoffs, so both teams will be desperate for a win.

The Steelers should be full of confidence after earning two straight victories against the Broncos and Seahawks. However, they remain at the bottom of the AFC North with a 3-3 record.

The Browns managed to beat the Broncos in Week 7 despite missing Baker Mayfield. He's now ready to return and will start on Sunday.

Here are my picks and predictions for the NFL's Week 8 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns (odds via DraftKings, pick confidence based on a one-to-five star scale).

Steelers vs. Browns Game Info

Date/Time: Sunday, October 31 at 1 p.m. ETTV: CBSLocation: FirstEnergy stadiumWeather: Light rain expected

Steelers vs. Browns Odds Analysis

Cleveland is the 3.5-point favorite for this game at most sportsbooks. SBK is offering a market-leading -104 on the Browns -3.5, while DraftKings has the Steelers +4 at -110. The line is expected to move if Mayfield is ready to play.

The total is set at 42.5. That follows two consecutive games when the Browns failed to score 20 points. FanDuel, BetMGM, and PointsBet are showing -105 on over 42.5, and FOX Bet and Caesars Sportsbook are offering -110 on under 42.5.

Editor's note: This story was written prior to news that Mayfield will play Sunday.

Steelers vs. Browns Betting Picks

Steelers +4 (-110) ??Under 42.5 (-110) ???Largest Lead: Under 14.5 (-130) ????

Steelers vs. Browns Predictions

Steelers +4 (-110)

Predicting which team will cover the spread is difficult without knowing whether the Browns will be able to call upon Mayfield and Nick Chubb.

Case Keenum performed reasonably well during Cleveland's 17-14 Week 7 win over the Broncos, but that's been the team's only victory over its last three games. Mayfield and Chubb returning could galvanize the Browns, but the offense may be a little lackluster if the unit heads into battle with a backup QB again.

The Steelers should keep this game tight if Mayfield sits. They overwhelmed the Broncos in Week 5 and edged the Seahawks in Week 6, so they'll be carrying momentum into this contest.

The Steelers are also coming off a bye, whereas the Browns are depleted right now.

Under 42.5 (-110)

Cleveland's offense is seriously banged up. Mayfield and Chubb won't be firing on all cylinders even if they do play.

The Browns’ offensive tackles are also struggling to recover from injuries, so Pittsburgh's stout defense could thrive.

Cleveland’s defense is equally strong. It's only given up an average of 13.7 points during the club's three home games this season, and the group looked solid against the Broncos last Thursday.

A total of 42.5 is low, but this could develop into a tight and tense game, making the Under appealing.

Largest Lead: Under 14.5 (-130)

This could develop into a war of attrition between two evenly matched teams.

Cleveland boasts more talent and holds home-field advantage, but it's dealing with plenty of injuries.

The Steelers should be a lot fresher following a bye week, and they'll still be on a high after recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

It's therefore unlikely one squad will open up a huge lead and secure a blowout victory, and the game should be pretty close until the fourth quarter.