Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NFL Week 6 game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Old-school AFC North rivals are set to clash on Sunday. The Steelers, at 3-1, have their eyes set on earning a postseason berth. On paper, that shouldn’t be too difficult against the 1-4 Browns. However, Cleveland is a bit of an unknown with rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback. Can the visitors earn a massive Week 6 upset?
Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Sunday’s showdown between the Browns and Steelers.
The Steelers are favored by six points (-105) over the Browns, with the over/under set at 37.5 points. Which of these teams has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering this contest?
Browns vs. Steelers prediction, preview
As previously mentioned, this will be just the second start of Gabriel’s NFL career. The rookie impressed last week in London, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns vs. Minnesota. Now stateside, the Oregon alum will face an underperforming secondary. Pittsburgh has surrendered 7.6 yards per pass attempt this season, the fourth-highest mark in football. Still, Cleveland’s inexperienced signal caller will have to contend with a ferocious pass rush. The Steelers have racked up the league’s fifth-most sacks (14.0), seventh-most tackles for loss (28) and second-most QB hits (36).
If the underdogs have a shot at winning, they’ll need to keep Pittsburgh’s defense honest. That means running the ball effectively with Quinshon Judkins. Off-field issues aside, the first-year rusher has been stellar over the first four games of his career. Over 72 carries, the Ohio State alum has gained 347 yards and two touchdowns (4.8 YPC).
On the other side of the ball, Aaron Rodgers will make his fifth start for the Steel Curtain. This season, the future Hall of Famer has thrown for 786 yards and eight touchdowns while tossing three interceptions. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but it’s a clear upgrade from Pittsburgh’s mediocre Russell Wilson/Justin Fields duo last year. With that being said, Cleveland’s defensive line could pose some problems this week. The Browns rank second in football with a 9.2% sack percentage. Keeping edge rusher Myles Garrett in check will be crucial for the Steelers.
Cleveland, for all its flaws, has enough play makers on defense to deliver a shocking result. That was the case during Week 3’s 13-10 victory over the Packers. Getting to Rodgers, and forcing a timely turnover or two, could be the difference in this one. Pressure would also make it difficult for Pittsburgh’s best offensive weapon, D.K. Metcalf, to deliver big plays.
Browns vs. Steelers pick, best bet
Say what you will about Mike Tomlin, but his teams are usually prepared to play. During the head coach’s 18-year tenure, the Steelers are 14-4 coming off the bye. Although Pittsburgh deserves to be heavily favored to win, it’s difficult to see this becoming a blowout. Gabriel showed promise last week, especially with his ball security (0 turnovers). A similar showing on Sunday could be enough to keep things close. Also worth mentioning: the Browns have won three of the last six games against their rivals.