Only one team stands to benefit from a win in the next chapter of the age-old rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland has already been eliminated from playoff contention, while Pittsburgh still has a decent shot to make the postseason. Will the Browns be able to deny the Steelers not just a shot at making the playoffs, but also deny Pittsburgh a record of .500 or better in the Mike Tomlin era?

Nitrobetting is ready to equip its bettors with the latest news, NFL odds, and special features for the entire duration of the 2022 NFL season. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Week 18 divisional showdown between the Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

Browns vs. Steelers Game Information

A look at player injuries & practice participation for Week 18. @UPMCSportsMedhttps://t.co/TKX678jw3W

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 4, 2023

• When: Sunday, January 8, 2023, 1:00 PM ET
• Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
• TV: CBS
• Radio: ESPN New York 98.7 FM (Browns) // 560 WQAM (Steelers)
• Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
• NFL Odds: Browns (+2.5) // Steelers (-2.5)

READ MORE: Jets vs. Dolphins 2022 NFL Week 18 Odds, Preview & Pick

Why Bet on the Cleveland Browns?

Can the Cleveland Browns deal another finishing blow to a playoff hopeful? In Week 17, it was they who took out the Washington Commanders from playoff contention with a 24-10 win in Landover this past Sunday.

Although the Browns are no longer part of the playoff race themselves, they’re still playing with urgency as they gauge their future with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback. Watson had his best game of the season since his return from suspension by throwing three touchdown passes against a relatively sound Washington defense. It also didn’t hurt that stud running back Nick Chubb breached the 100-yard rushing mark for the first time since Week 12.

Cleveland’s defense has also stepped up of late, allowing just an average of 10 points to their opponents over their last three games. On the other hand, everything basically hinges on Watson performing well under center to counter Pittsburgh’s own resurgent offensive attack.

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Don’t count the Pittsburgh Steelers out just yet. Pittsburgh won its third straight game and five of its last six outings to remain in the hunt for the last AFC Wild Card playoff spot after escaping with a 16-13 road victory over the underhanded Baltimore Ravens.

Rookie QB Kenny Pickett had an error-free evening last Sunday night, completing 15 of 27 passes (albeit for just 168 passing yards and one passing TD). The real hero was running back Najee Harris, who averaged five yards per carry en route to 111 rushing yards versus a stout Ravens front seven. It was Harris’ first 100-yard rushing performance of the season and it could not have come at a better time.

The Steelers’ defense is as imposing as it has been, limiting each of their last six opponents to 17 points or fewer against their stop unit anchored by former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. The last time Pittsburgh faced Cleveland was back in Week 3 with the Browns drawing first blood, 29-17. A lot has changed since then and the Steelers appear more motivated than ever with their playoff lives on the line.

Browns vs. Steelers Betting Trends

• The Browns are 2-5 in the last seven road games (3-4 ATS).
• The Browns are 3-2 in the last five meetings against Pittsburgh (2-3 ATS).
• The totals went under in five of Cleveland’s last seven road games.
• The Steelers are 3-4 at home this season (SU/ATS).
• The Steelers are 5-3 in the last eight games against their AFC North rivals (SU/ATS).
• The totals went under in four of the Steelers’ last five homestands.

Browns vs. Steelers Expert Betting Predictions

With the Steelers having more of an incentive to win and the Browns benefitting from a loss to improve their draft stock, it seems that all signs point to a win for the former. Then again, Cleveland has gotten the better of Pittsburgh in their recent encounters and will be determined to knock their rivals out of the postseason picture. Expect a run-heavy, grind-it-out showdown on Sunday with the Steelers barely eking out another last-minute victory.

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