Cleveland Browns: 5 bold predictions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17
By John Suchan
Cleveland Browns bold prediction No. 4: Defense will have a pick 6
Ben Roethlisberger threw four interceptions in last year’s playoff game against the Browns. The Cleveland defense knows that the Pittsburgh quarterback can’t hit the deep throw and will be primed and ready to step in front of the Steeler receivers and pick off the quarterback.
Either cornerback Denzel Ward or rookie sensation cornerback Greg Newsome III will be waiting in the weeds to pounce on a Roethlisberger errant throw and take it back for six points. Maybe linebacker Jeremiah Owusu Koromoah could step in front of a pass and take it back too.
That would be fitting considering how well Koromoah has played this season. He’s a big reason the Browns defense is playing better this year.
Cleveland Browns bold prediction No. 3: Baker Mayfield will throw more than two touchdowns
Maybe Baker Mayfield can get the ball in the end zone on a screen pass to Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt, but he’ll have more than two on the night — and he won’t throw four interceptions again. Even though many have been discouraged by Mayfield’s play this season, he only has 11 interceptions on the year.
In the first game between rivals, Mayfield played decently but couldn’t move the team all afternoon. He finished 20-of-31 for 225 yards. A year ago, in the playoff win against the Steelers, the Browns quarterback had an excellent game. He finished with three touchdown throws on the night. Most of those were throws to players like wide receiver Jarvis Landry and running back Nick Chubb who took short passes and ran home to paydirt.
Mayfield has had a consistently inconsistent year so far. If I’m a betting man I’m putting my money on him being hot and making some great throws and helping his team win in this high-stakes game.