Browns vs. Steelers 2023 NFL Week 2 Odds, Preview & Pick

By Jeff Stinger • September 14, 2023

It’s time for another round of the smash-mouth divisional rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns are hot off a dominant win over another AFC North opponent from their season opener, while the Steelers had the opposite outcome go against them in Week 1. Who’ll come out on top of this blockbuster Monday Night Football affair?

Nitrobetting is ready to take your bets into the end zone this 2023 NFL season. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Week 2 divisional showdown between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Browns vs. Steelers Game Information

relive the best shots from Sunday before we set our sights on Pittsburgh

: https://t.co/Co0ztHhdXc pic.twitter.com/THrmRYM34a
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 13, 2023

When: Monday, September 18, 2023, 8:15 PM ET
Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
TV: ABC
Radio: 92.3 The Fan (Browns) // WDVE 102.5 FM (Steelers)
Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Browns (-2) // Steelers (+2)

Why Bet on the Cleveland Browns?

In what came as a surprise to many NFL fans, the Cleveland Browns not only defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, but did so in an emphatic 24-3 fashion on a wet and rainy afternoon in Cleveland. The Browns’ gamble for a new franchise quarterback last season has got to pay off sooner than later and Deshaun Watson didn’t disappoint his team in his first full season as their Week 1 starting QB.

Watson completed 16 of 29 passes for 154 yards and a passing touchdown while also running for 45 yards on the ground and a rushing TD. Although the controversial play-caller did also throw a pick in his season debut, he looked much more comfortable under center with a fresh new start. It also didn’t hurt that stud running back Nick Chubb racked up 106 rushing yards on just 18 carries (5.9 yards per carry). Above all else, seeing Cleveland’s defense shut down Joe Burrow and the Bengals is an even better sign of a turnaround for the better in 2023. The Browns’ stop unit held Cincy’s offense to just 142 total yards, although the verdict is still out whether or not it was the bad weather on the road that was the real cause for Cincinnati’s collapse.

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, on the other hand, had a fate that was more similar to the Bengals on opening week. They scored just once in their 30-7 loss to the visiting San Francisco 49ers, as Mike Tomlin and his crew just had no answers for one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl title this season.

Second-year QB Kenny Pickett looked shaky in his season debut, going 31-of-46 for 232 passing yards, one passing TD, and a pair of picks. Pittsburgh’s offensive line remains a liability as well, as Pickett was sacked five times by the Niners, and running back Najee Harris only got six touches for 31 rushing yards. And despite three sacks courtesy of Steelers standout pass-rusher T.J. Watt, the team had no answers for San Fran’s well-rounded attack.

Thankfully, the Browns will be a step down in competition level. Not only that, but the Steelers have historically been the better team whenever they face their AFC North nemesis. Pittsburgh is also hosting back-to-back home games to start the new season so there are no excuses for them to salvage at least one of those two huge matchups to kick off their campaign.

Browns vs. Steelers Betting Trends

The Browns went 2-6 on the road last season (3-5 ATS).
Cleveland is 5-3 in their last eight games against their AFC North rivals (SU/ATS).
The totals went under in seven of Cleveland’s last eight games in general.
The Steelers are 4-3 in their last seven home games (SU/ATS).
Pittsburgh has won five of the last seven meetings against the Browns (6-1 ATS).
The totals went under in seven of the last 10 games played in Pittsburgh.

Browns vs. Steelers Expert Betting Predictions

The Steelers should be more competitive being pitted against a division rival in their next matchup and having the home-field advantage for the second straight week also helps. Then again, the Browns appear more determined to succeed following their highly criticized 2022 campaign, especially with the defense stepping up big-time in Week 1. Thus, we predict that Cleveland will remain unbeaten and cover the spread as road favorites with another convincing victory under the MNF primetime lights.

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