Browns vs. Steelers 2021 NFL Week 17 Odds, Analysis & Prediction

By Hank Blaine • December 31, 2021

Both the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers would miss the AFC playoffs as things stand and the loser of Monday’s Week 17 matchup between the rivals from Pittsburgh – probably the final home game in the Hall of Fame career of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger – can forget about the postseason.

In Week 8, the Steelers won in Cleveland 15-10. Pittsburgh overcame losing kicker Chris Boswell for the entire second half with a concussion. Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass to rookie Pat Freiermuth and rookie Najee Harris had an 8-yard TD run after halftime for the Steelers, who were handicapped by Boswell getting hurt on a trick play that blew up. Big Ben improved to 24-3-1 career vs. the Browns. Cleveland had plenty of chances, but wide receiver Jarvis Landry had a costly fumble and then couldn’t handle two passes from Baker Mayfield in the final 6:04.

NitroBetting is ready to equip its bettors with all the latest previews and odds for Week 17 of the 2021 NFL season. This time, we look at the intriguing AFC matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Find out more about the teams and the key players, event information, the latest NFL odds, and of course, helpful betting trends and expert betting predictions.

Browns vs. Steelers Game Information

HERE WE GOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/q5s0lepUlg
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 26, 2021

When: Monday, January 3, 2021, 8:15 PM ET
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV: ESPN
Radio: WKNR 850 AM (Browns) / WDVE-FM 102.5 (Steelers)
Live Stream: CBS Sports
NFL Odds: Browns (-3) / Steelers (+3)

Why Bet on the Cleveland Browns?

Cleveland (7-8) lost its second straight game on Christmas, 24-22 in Green Bay. Baker Mayfield completed 21-of-36 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Mayfield found Harrison Bryant for a TD on a play-action pass from the one-yard line. He also found Anthony Schwartz wide open for a five-yard TD. The story of Mayfield’s day though were his four picks. Mayfield sealed the Browns’ loss with an interception on their final drive. It was the only one of the four that wasn’t his fault.

In his return from the reserve/COVID-19 list, Mayfield became just the third NFL quarterback this season to be picked off three times before halftime, joining Jets rookie Zach Wilson (Week 2) and the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson (Week 12 vs. the Browns). All three of those throws were off target and all three led to Green Bay touchdowns as the Packers controlled the game despite being outgained by the Browns 408 yards to 311. Mayfield was the first Browns quarterback since Brandon Weeden in 2012 to throw four interceptions in a game.

“I don’t think (the interceptions) were anything preparation-wise, mentally,” Mayfield said. “It was just missed throws. It’s uncharacteristic, and I hurt this team. That’s the most frustrating thing for me.”

Nick Chubb rushed 17 times for 126 yards and one touchdown, adding three receptions for 58 yards. Chubb made his receiving day on a 40-yard screen pass. He cleared 100 yards on the ground for the fifth time in 2021. It was Cleveland’s sixth loss this season by six or fewer points, the most in the NFL this season.

Cleveland was without two starters on the defensive line and four key members from the secondary. Almost all of those players were on the reserve/COVID-19 list with S John Johnson III, who was out with a hamstring injury, as the lone exception. Additionally, DE Takkarist McKinley was lost for the season recently because of an Achilles injury. Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. was out a second consecutive game.

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Pittsburgh (7-7-1) looked like hot garbage on Sunday in being blown out 36-10 in Kansas City. The Steelers became the first team in NFL history to trail by at least 23 points at halftime in three straight road games, and they have failed to score a touchdown in the first half of five straight games for the first time since 1940.

The Chiefs scored the first four times they got the ball in the first half and on three consecutive possessions in the second half. The Chiefs picked up 17 first downs to the Steelers’ six while building a 23-0 advantage in the first two quarters. The Chiefs also outgained the Steelers, 255-109, and held the ball for 20:00 to the Steelers’ 10:00 in the first 30 minutes.

Roethlisberger threw for 159 yards with a late fourth-quarter touchdown for Pittsburgh, along with throwing an interception and losing a fumble. Najee Harris added 93 yards rushing, but most of that came with the game out of reach. Good-looking young tight end Pat Freiermuth didn’t play as he’s in the concussion protocol.

Browns vs. Steelers Betting Trends

Browns are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 Monday games.
Browns are 11-28-1 ATS in the last 40 vs. AFC North.
The total went under in 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 games.
Steelers are 18-6-2 ATS in the last 26 games as a home underdog.
Steelers are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 vs. AFC.
The total went over in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 6 games.

Browns vs. Steelers Expert Betting Predictions

Pick: Steelers 23, Browns 20

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.