The live game this Sunday on Sky Sports NFL is the huge AFC North match-up between the top two teams in the division. Both teams sit at 5-2, but the Browns are 2-0 in the division, whilst the Steelers are 1-1.
The Browns have had their share of luck so far this season, with all five of their wins decided by a field goal, including the first game with the Steelers in week four, winning 27-24, despite having a 21-7 lead at half time. That Steelers game was the best team they have played so far. The Browns beat the Ravens in week six, but the Ravens were without Lamar Jackson. Other than that, they haven’t really played anyone of note.
There seems to be a redemption story for the QB, Deshaun Watson, in Cleveland as well. Watson has completed 136 of 210 passes for 1,482 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt, and 211.7 yards per game. Reasonable numbers considering he has been sacked a league leading 25 times.
RB Quinshon Judkins has 90 carries for 317 yards and three touchdowns. WR Denzel Boston has 20 receptions (from 42 targets) for 372 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 18.6 yards per reception, whilst WR KC Concepcion has 30 receptions (from 45 targets) for 315 yards. TE Harold Fannin has 25 receptions (from 39 targets) for 257 yards and three touchdowns.
The Steelers are on a three game winning streak, and go into their bye week after this game. Other than the Browns game in week four, The Steelers haven’t really played anyone either. Their only other loss came in week two against the Patriots. They did beat the Bengals but only by three points.
Veteran QB Aaron Rodgers has already said this is his last season playing football, so he will want to go out with a bang and win a Super Bowl. He has 162 of 263 for 1699 with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. He averages 6.5 yards per attempt and 242.7 yards per game. He has also been sacked a few times (22 in total).
RB Jaylen Warren has 102 carries for 561 yards and a touchdown, with 24 receptions (from 34 targets) for 294 yards and another touchdown. The two TEs are leading the touchdown scoring charts for the Steelers. Pat Freiermuth has 23 receptions (from 33 targets) for 200 yards and four touchdowns, and Darnell Washington has 16 receptions (from 23 targets) for 160 yards and three touchdowns.
It would appear on paper to be a fairly even game, with both sides with the same record in the division. However, I feel you can never write Aaron Rodgers out of a game, and in their overtime win over the Buccaneers in week six, Aaron Rodgers led a 12-play, 70-yard drive that left the Buccaneers with only three minutes to score a touchdown in overtime.
Sky Bet have the Browns as 3.5 point underdogs, and I think that’s fair. I feel if the Steelers get two scores ahead, then that will be enough for the Steelers. **My prediction is the Steelers win by five points.**