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Cleveland Browns vs Steelers Week 8 Predictions: Can the Browns get back in the North race?

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Briean Boddy-Calhoun #20 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after an incomplete pass during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Briean Boddy-Calhoun #20 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after an incomplete pass during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Writer: Casey Kinnamon

Cleveland Browns (2-4-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2-1)

The desperate Cleveland Browns travel to Heinz field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and recent history. The Browns haven’t won a game in Pittsburgh since 2003. To put that in perspective, Tim Couch was the Browns quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger was in college, and Baker Mayfield was 8 years old.

Even though they tied in their first matchup this season, these are two different teams now. The Steelers come into the game on a two-game winning streak, while the Browns are on a two-game slide.

On offense, the Browns will have to establish Nick Chubb and their running game early, even if it doesn’t lead to points. Let’s be honest, it probably won’t. But controlling the clock and keeping Big Ben off the field will be crucial.

The Steelers weakness on defense is their outside corner play, unfortunately, the wide receiver play on the outside is also the Browns weakness. They should cancel each other out. Look for the Browns to employ more RPO’s and attack the seams with David Njoku and Jarvis Landry.

Cleveland’s defense has a very tall task ahead of them. Big Ben, Antonio Brown, Ju Ju Smith-Schuster and company will look to exploit a banged-up Browns secondary. If Myles Garrett can get to Roethlisberger early and often it may negate some of the effectiveness of the Steelers passing game. The Browns will have to force multiple turnovers to stay in this game.

The special teams for the Browns had shown some improvement the last few weeks, but it’s still a weak point for the team. The kick coverage units will have to play disciplined lane integrity football or Ryan Switzer could have a big day.

dark. Next. 3 Players the Browns should consider trading away

The X-factor on Sunday could be the officials. Both the Browns and Steelers are among the most penalized teams in the league. Luckily for the Browns, referee Hugo Cruz was fired on Thursday so non-called false starts shouldn’t be a factor.

Prediction: History be damned. Browns 26 Steelers 24

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