NFL - Cleveland at Pittsburgh (1:00 PM ET – CBS)
2007-11-09
With a chance to reach the top of the AFC North Division standings, Cleveland faces its biggest game in years when it travels to Pittsburgh. Historically, this has not been the most fun annual road trip for the Browns, losers of seven of eight games this decade in Pittsburgh, including the L3 by double-digit margins.
Still, with the resiliency they showed in the OT win vs. Seattle, if any Cleveland team can get it done on the road in a huge divisional game, this is it. They will be looking to avenge eight straight SU & ATS losses overall to the Steelers, including the ugly 34-7 decision in Week 1. HC Romeo Crennel’s team is 5-3 SU & 6-2 ATS, despite being outscored by opponents 28.4-29.1. Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU & ATS in the second of back-to-back home games.
The Browns have showcased dramatic improvement this season and the winds of change have touched nearly every aspect of their roster. The offense is working efficiently under the watch of QB Derek Anderson (though one has to wonder when the cost paid for rookie Brady Quinn will introduce intrigue to the current situation) while a vastly improved offensive line is helping veteran RB Jamal Lewis enjoy a return to prominence. The defense remains questionable but has shown signs of life. Their 5-3 ATS record shows Vegas is giving respect, but the 7-0-1 O/U record indicates they are exceeding their anticipated results.
The Steelers have, at times, looked like the class of the NFL’s second-tier (a step behind the Patriots and Colts, a few steps ahead all others). However, there have been severe moments of disappointment along the way that defy explanation. Losing to Denver and Arizona (both on the road) show they are human while dominating wins over Seattle and San Fran prove this team is nearly unstoppable at home. Getting RB Willie Parker on track will once again be a top priority, but it will be the defensive effort that makes a difference against a potent Cleveland offense.
Keys to the Game – Cleveland opens a brutal two-game AFC North road trip in Pittsburgh. The Browns are a far cry from the team that lost their opener 34-7 to the Steelers. Derek Anderson has been the difference maker on an offense that has tools. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. are legitimate threats Pittsburgh has to concern themselves with and Jamal Lewis makes the running game go just enough to create balance. Cleveland has to overcome the 6-12 ATS division record to be taken seriously. The Steelers are just 13-20-2 ATS off Monday night contests getting ready for this conflict. The Pittsburgh offense should have no problems moving the ball against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Ben Roethlisberger should pick the Browns secondary apart, especially now that Hines Ward is back.
Trends
- Pittsburgh is 8-0 SU & ATS against the Browns.
- Cleveland is 8-0 ATS when both teams score 20 or more points.
StatFox Pick – Browns plus points
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