The World Cup is in full effect but online NFL betting players can’t help but look ahead to the 2018 NFL season. To help hype up this upcoming season, we’re taking an early look at Week 1’s matchups. Today we break down the AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns matchup that will hail in the new season. What kind of matchup are the 2 team teaser odds predicting?
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns – Sunday, September 9th
When: 1:00 pm ET
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: CBS
Stream: CBS Sports, NFL Game Pass
Online NFL Betting Odds:
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | -6½ (-110) | 46½ (-110) | TBP |  |
| Browns | +6½ (-110) | 46½ (-110) | TBP | |
| ||||
Pleased with the result of OTAs and minicamp, Coach Tomlin looks forward to #SteelersCamp. pic.twitter.com/bi9lrIDTTw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 14, 2018
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are coming off a 13-3 season that saw them win the AFC North and make it all the way to the conference’s divisional round. There Pittsburgh would face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 42-45 losing effort. Ultimately Pittsburgh had won a 1st round bye but it’s clear the added rest didn’t amount to much. Moving forward, the Steelers will be looking to get as much football out of Ben Roethlisberger before the veteran decides to hang up his cleats. There’s no question that the Steelers bring enough talent to make the playoffs once again. However, there has been some drama brewing in the locker room. Most of it is centered around Bell not getting his money. This could bubble into some problems as we approach the season.
Players to Watch: Ben Roethlisberger (4,251 passing yards, 28 TD, 14 INT), Le’Veon Bell (1,291 rushing yards, 9 TD, 2 F), and Antonio Brown (1,533 receiving yards, 9 TD, 101 REC).
Cleveland Browns
Unsurprisingly, the Browns turned in an 0-16 season last year to finish dead last in the division. To help get better results this time around, the Browns have made some changes. Most notable is the departure of DeShone Kizer, who had a rather poor season last year. Granted, Kizer was a rookie and it was rather foolish for the Browns to expect him to turn this sinking ship around. But with Kizer throwing 22 interceptions to just 11 touchdowns, it’s easy to see why they showed him the door. Baker Mayfield will now enter as the new face of the franchise. Mayfield
Players to Watch: Baker Mayfield (Rookie), Duke Johnson Jr. (853 rushing yards, 2 TD, 1 F), and Duke Johnson Jr. (693 receiving yards, 3 TD, 74 REC).
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Predictions
Trends
- Pittsburgh posted a 7-1 SU record on the road through 8 road games last season
- Pittsburgh posted a 4-4 ATS record on the road through 8 road games last season
- The TOTAL went UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh’s 8 road games last season
- Cleveland posted an 0-8 SU record at home through 8 home games last season
- Cleveland posted a 2-6 ATS record at home through 8 home games last season
- The TOTAL went UNDER in 6 of Cleveland’s 8 home games last season
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Picks
So which side should sportsbook betting bettors favor in this Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns pairing? All in all it’s best to stick with Pittsburgh here, for obvious reasons. Sure they’ll be on the road, but there’s no reason to expect Cleveland to be able to upset them in Week 1. Sign up today to make your early NFL betting prediction!
Score Prediction: 21-0 Pittsburgh.
