NFL Week 12: The Panel's Picks For Thursday Night Football - Steelers @ Browns
Week 12 starts with a mouth-watering AFC North clash in Cleveland as the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) face the Browns (2-8).
Cleveland's season might well be over but the Steelers still have aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl and UK betting sites have the best odds on the most popular markets for this Thursday night matchup.
NFL Week 12 Thursday Night Football Predictions:
- The Panel Pick 1: Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 To Beat The Cleveland Browns - 21/20 With BetVictor
- The Panel Pick 2: Nick Chubb Under 51.5 Rushing Yards - 9/10 With Ladbrokes
- The Panel Pick 3: Under 36.5 Points Total - 11/10 With Ladbrokes
Steelers @ Browns Prediction: Pittsburgh To Cover Themselves In Glory
The Pittsburgh Steelers began the 2024 campaign with low expectations as the Justin Fields/Russell Wilson debate raged on.
At 3-2, Pittsburgh faced a bit of a crossroads. Since then the wins have rolled in, including a one-point triumph against Washington and a two-pointer versus rival Baltimore, and they've now recorded five on the bounce.
Cleveland have nothing to play for, they lost DeShaun Watson weeks ago and come off an ugly loss in New Orleans, where they allowed 200+ yards for both rushing and passing in a 35-14 defeat.
Cleveland's problem could be the weather. Windy and cold conditions are expected on Thursday night, and snow mixed with rain is possible.
For a team reliant on the passing game, that spells plenty of trouble.
The Panel picks Pittsburgh to manage a cover on Thursday night.
The Panel Pick 1: Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 To Beat The Cleveland Browns - 21/20 With BetVictor
Steelers Vs Browns Prediction: Chubb To Struggle In Slop
The Browns were hopeful to get a boost from Nick Chubb’s return. Instead, it has taken time for the All-Pro to get back to his old form.
He did run 11 times for 50 yards against New Orleans last week. However, that was on turf and indoors. This week he plays out in the elements of Cleveland.
For those curious, the Pittsburgh defense has been good against the run and Cleveland has been poor in running the ball.
Overall, Chubb has averaged just 3.1 yards rushing per attempt. Pittsburgh yielded 124 yards against Baltimore and has only given up 4.1 yards per carry (fifth in the NFL).
The problem for Chubb is that Jerome Ford may be a better runner in these types of conditions.
The Panel prefers Chubb to go less than 52 yards on the ground this Thursday night.
The Panel Pick 2: Nick Chubb Under 51.5 Rushing Yards - 9/10 With Ladbrokes
Steekers Vs Browns Betting: Points At A Premium
Pittsburgh have found several ways to get the victory during this five-game winning streak.
In the last two weeks they managed to squeeze out a victory where they would probably have lost in the past.
The Steelers rank second in points allowed, while Cleveland ranks 31st in points scored.
Cleveland can defend a little better at home, so Pittsburgh may not have an easy time given the snow and rain that's forecast.
The Steelers rank 30th in red zone offense but gets inside the opponents 20 twice as often as Cleveland.
Handwarmers will be at a premium on Thursday night, so mistakes and turnovers could also be something to watch in what could be a low-scoring affair.
The Panel Pick 3: Under 36.5 Points Total - 11/10 With Ladbrokes
