5 bold predictions for the Steelers against the Browns

Expect a healthy dose of Pat Freiermuth

The rookie tight end out of Penn State has quickly become a fan favorite in the Steel City. When Pittsburgh drafted him, Bruce Arians texted Ben Roethlisberger and told him that Freiermuth is a lot like Heath Miller. Those are high expectations to live up to, but Freiermuth has delivered.

He had a career-high seven catches against the Seahawks in Week 6, and has been instrumental in the run game getting going over the last two games.

Freiermuth is quickly becoming Ben Roethlisberger’s safety valve, much like Miller was for a decade. He isn’t doing anything crazy in the passing game, but he is making all the plays he needs to when his number is called. After JuJu Smith-Schuster was lost for the season against Denver, many expected James Washington or Chase Claypool to be the go-to guy in the underneath passing game. Instead, Freiermuth has filled that role.

The Browns have a great pass rush. Myles Garrett will win multiple battles off the edge and have a few free runs at Roethlisberger. This is where Ben will look to get rid of it quickly. More often than not, he’ll be looking in Freiermuth’s direction. It should be another big day for the tight end.