5 bold predictions for Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the most heated rivalries in the NFL will be renewed for the second time in just three weeks. This game is about the playoffs for the Browns and Steelers so it will be a physical affair without a doubt.

The AFC North has quietly been one of the best divisions in football as the Baltimore Ravens have looked like the best team in football, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to win without a quarterback and the Cleveland Browns have put together a winning streak to put them in playoff contention.

So this divisional matchup was going to be must-see T.V. no matter what. But after what happened two weeks ago, Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph starting a brawl, everyone in America should be watching this game.

Last time these teams met it was a defensive battle, and that isn’t going to change. Pittsburgh is starting Devlin “Duck” Hodges, plus JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner will potentially miss the game with injuries.

The Browns offense has been playing well lately, but Pittsburgh has the eighth ranked defense in terms of points allowed and they only gave up 21 points to Cleveland last time.

It will be the same formula for the Browns that it has been all season: Pound the ball with Nick Chubb until the defense is forced to stack the box, then throw the ball right over their head to Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry and Kareem Hunt.

Duck Hodges replaced Rudolph in last week’s game and led them to the win throwing for 118 yards and a touchdown on just five completions. He had a low completion percentage but he did come off the bench cold.

It is supposed to rain on Sunday in Pittsburgh so this game could be sloppy, and you have to think that favors the Browns, who will have all of their skill players available. But bad weather can completely change a game.