5 bold predictions for Browns against Steelers
By John Buhler
After eking out a win over the reeling Denver Broncos, the Cleveland Browns now turn their attention to the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers for their Week 8 NFL game.
While it was good to stop the bleeding a bit, Cleveland will have to gear up for what should be yet another physical game in the NFL’s black and blue division. Though Pittsburgh is not the world beaters they were at times a year ago, the loser of this game will not want to be creeping down to the bottom of the AFC North standings. One could argue this is a must-win game for both parties.
Have are five bold predictions that are absolutely coming true for the Browns vs. the Steelers.
Cleveland Browns: 5 predictions for Week 8 game vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Cleveland will avoid turning the football over vs. a feisty Steelers defense
One thing the Browns have done a pretty good job of so far this season is holding onto the football. While they did turn the ball over three times in their Week 6 home loss to the undefeated Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland has avoided fumbles in interceptions in four of their seven games thus far. Although they are only 3-1 in those four clean games, look for a fifth one on Sunday.
This will be a combination of a few things, but mostly a conservative offensive gameplan out of head coach Kevin Stefanski. Expect for this game to be of the low-scoring variety with a lot of punts. Though the Pittsburgh pass rush will get after the quarterback, Baker Mayfield will not make many mental mistakes with the football. He will need to use the run to open up the pass.
Outside of the Big 12 shootout played at the Los Angeles Chargers, the Browns have won all their games they have won the turnover battle. Obviously, not being careful with the football culminated in Cleveland’s two other losses vs. Arizona and the Kansas City Chiefs way back in Week 1. Naturally, ball security will be a paramount area of focus for the Browns vs. the Steelers.
Pittsburgh will turn the ball over, so this is a way a depleted Browns team can take advantage.