Steelers vs. Browns 2021 NFL Week 8 Odds, Preview and Pick

By Carlos Chacon • October 27, 2021

Without a single team having a losing record, the AFC North is arguably the toughest division in the NFL this season. The rivalries from this group rage on this week as the Pittsburgh Steelers come off their bye and travel to the Dawg Pound to take on the banged-up Cleveland Browns. Which team will keep pace with the Ravens and the Bengals in the race for the division lead?

NitroBetting is ready to equip its bettors with all the latest previews and odds for Week 8 of the 2021 NFL season. This time, we look at the pivotal AFC North clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. Find out more about the teams and the key players, event information, the latest NFL betting odds, and of course, helpful betting trends and expert betting predictions. Check out the latest sports betting odds and lines at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Steelers vs. Browns Game Information

Our unofficial depth chart versus the Steelers.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 26, 2021

When: Sunday, October 31, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: CBS
Radio: WDVE 102.5 FM (Steelers) / WKNR 850 AM (Browns)
Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Steelers (+3.5) / Browns (-3.5)

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered their Week 7 bye with a two-game win streak, recently escaping with a 23-20 overtime victory over the visiting Seattle Seahawks in Week 6. That two-game run might’ve just saved Pittsburgh’s season as the team was on a three-game slide prior to the back-to-back victories.

Veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to struggle to find a consistent passing game. The Steelers’ franchise QB has only thrown for over 300 passing yards in one of six games this season (Week 3) and was held to just one touchdown pass for the fifth time in Week 6. Thankfully, Pittsburgh’s running game has been rejuvenated by rookie running back Najee Harris.

The team’s first-round pick out of ‘Bama logged over 20 carries for two straight games and has combined for over 200 rushing yards. The Steelers’ defense is still not at the Steel Curtain level yet, but it was last season’s sacks leader, T.J. Watt, who forced the game-sealing fumble off of Seattle’s Geno Smith to secure the victory late in the fourth quarter for the Black and Yellow.

Why Bet on the Cleveland Browns?

Not to be deterred by a slew of injuries, the Cleveland Browns snapped their two-game losing streak this past Sunday with a huge 17-14 home win over the Denver Broncos. Journeyman QB Case Keenum filled in nicely for the injured Baker Mayfield (shoulder), as the former Vikings playoff hero went 21-of-33 for 199 passing yards along with a passing score.

Keenum wasn’t alone in delivering a monstrous performance for Cleveland as a reserve. Third-string running back D’Ernest Johnson also had his breakthrough outing in Week 7, running for 146 rushing yards and a trip to the end zone on 22 carries.

Johnson is expected to carry the brunt of the touches in the backfield against the Steelers if Chubb can’t play again, though the latter is reportedly expected to suit up in Week 8.

Holding the Broncos to just 14 points is a good sign that the Browns’ defense tightened up this past week, but that unit has also given up no less than 33 points in each of their three losses against teams with potent offenses in the Chiefs, Chargers, and Cardinals.

Steelers vs. Browns Betting Trends

The Steelers are just 1-4 in their last five regular-season road games (2-3 ATS).
The Steelers are 3-2-1 in their last six meetings against the Browns since 2018 (4-2 ATS).
The totals went under in four of Pittsburgh’s last six games in general.
The Browns are 8-3 at home since the start of the previous season (5-6 ATS).
The Browns are 4-2 in their most recent meetings against division rivals, but just 1-5 against the spread in those contests.
The totals went over in five of those six Cleveland games against the AFC North.

Steelers vs. Browns Expert Betting Predictions

This once-lopsided rivalry has turned in favor of the Browns in recent years, and Pittsburgh’s struggles to have a balanced offense and defense also imply that this Week 8 showdown in Cleveland is likely to favor the home team. Then again, the Browns’ second-string-heavy offense inspires less confidence in them than usual as well, leaving open the potential for a road upset for the well-rested Steelers.

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.