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Score predictions for Cleveland Browns AFC Wild Card matchup

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs with the ball during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs with the ball during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who will win when Pittsburgh hosts the Cleveland Browns?

Technically, Week 17 was a playoff game for the Cleveland Browns who needed to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to make it into the postseason. They did that, and their reward was to play Pittsburgh once again.

Of course, this time, the stakes are higher and the matchup will be different. In their last meeting, the Steelers were resting many of their starters as they were worried more about this game than the final regular-season showdown.

While the return of the starters for Pittsburgh will change the way this game looks, so will the losses for the Browns. Cleveland will be without head coach Kevin Stefanski, as well as cornerback Denzel Ward and left guard Joel Bitonio due to COVID-19.

Could that mean the Browns are one and done in the postseason? That’s the very question some of the members of DPD look to answer here.

Writer: Randy Gurzi

Summary: The Browns got the win but Kevin Stefanski held back a little in Week 17. This time he doesn’t, but sadly the Steelers are the more rested team, and with Stefanski and many others out, the Steelers get the win, but it’s close throughout.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, Cleveland 28

Writer: J.T. Soderlund

Summary: The Browns head to Pittsburgh with a heavy disadvantage, but Baker Mayfield submits the best game of his young career. The Browns win their first playoff game since 1994.

Prediction: Cleveland 41, Pittsburgh 35

Writer: Dan Gilinsky

The Browns are up against it here, and even so, they do pretty well for three quarters offensively. Unfortunately, Ben Roethlisberger dinks enough and Chase Claypool eventually dunks a few times.

Prediction: Steelers 33, Browns 24 

Writer: Matthew Mramer

Summary: Cleveland couldn’t have picked a worse time to be ravaged by COVID, with key players and coaches slated to miss the franchise’s first playoff game in 18 years. The excitement of last week’s victory to clinch a playoff birth was short-lived, and it’s hard to envision a positive outcome for this Sunday night despite my very best efforts.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, Cleveland 21

Next. Browns might finally catch a COVID break. dark

Writer: Elliot Kennel

Can anyone score in this game? The Steelers offense is not as formidable as it was earlier this season and both teams are playing with makeshift offensive lines.  I look for a low scoring game with lots of sacks and turnovers. Cleveland has a chance because it is any given Sunday, and the Steelers may think it is still last week’s game plan.

Prediction: Browns 19, Steelers 17 (And the Steelers will blame the officials)

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