Week 13 predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers vs the Cleveland Browns
Just two weeks from the incident of the year, the Pittsburgh Steelers look for a quick redemption against the Cleveland Browns. While emotions may run high, our writers give their predictions of what’s to come.
While it can be bittersweet, some may view it in situations to be prideful & vindictive. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they’re going to carry a sense of revenge that deems it necessary.
Two weeks ago, it began as another simple matchup between division opponents that have no true recent ill will against each other. Later that night, as the Cleveland Browns defense dominated Pittsburgh to cruise to a 21-7 victory, they ended with a cause for a NFL suspension like none other.
Not to dawn on the antics that took place that evening, it was a week that the Steelers trenches wish they could redo. For a team that currently only gives up 1.6 sacks per game (3rd in NFL) & is 3rd in the league in sack percentage at 9.13, according to teamrankings.com, Pittsburgh was worked upfront by the Browns on both sides of the ball. As for Cleveland, 4 different players were able to record a sack for a total loss of 43 yards, in comparison to the Steelers sole one by OLB TJ Watt.
A Duck Call for Change
A large part of this was due to the lack of pocket awareness QB Mason Rudolph began to display over the weeks. In addition, Rudolph ended that game with a season-high 4 turnovers, leading an offense that was 2-11 on 3rd down and 0-3 on 4th down.
Becoming a trend that spilled over into last week, the official switch to third-string QB Devlin Hodges provided an instant boost against the Bengals that propelled the offense to 13 of their 16 points in the second half. They also benefited in the return of RB Benny Snell, who brought a desperate need of balance running for 98 yards on 21 carries.
Surely, the Bengals are the league’s worst in defending the run, but the Browns aren’t too far off, allowing 125 rushing YPG (25th in NFL). What was an issue for the Steelers last time these two teams met, given that Jaylen Samuels was the leading rusher with 26 yards, needs to be a different story alongside the passing game with Hodges & Snell starting.
Still Curtain’s 2019 Season Predictions
Coming off last week, 86% of the Still Curtain team correctly chose Pittsburgh to win, however, the split decisions should make way for a new leader after the 2nd edition of the 2019 Steelers vs. Browns.
Contributors Week 13 vs. Browns
Tommy Jaggi (5-4) 21-17, Steelers
Edward Hunt (5-4) 27-20, Browns
Ryan Pawloski (5-4) 21-17, Steelers
Brandon Kring (5-4) 24-14, Browns
Christian Brown (4-5) 24-21, Steelers
Jobe Morrison (4-5) 28-10, Steelers
Chris Halling (1-0) 24-10, Steelers
Jordan Newman (1-0) 20-16, Browns
Contributors’ Explanations
“Pittsburgh host the Browns this Sunday, and both teams will no doubt be seeking revenge for the chaos that ensued in the final seconds of their first matchup. Things will look a little different with Devlin Hodges at the helm, but the Steelers still need to find a way to put up points. Pittsburgh has the home-field advantage, but the Browns are still favored in this contest. However, I think the Steelers do just enough on offense to get the job done the second time around.” – Tommy Jaggi
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“The Steelers make it closer this time, but the Browns have the intimidation factor. Pittsburgh is in a bit of a slump after their three-game winning streak but should make it a close on with Devlin Hodges at the helm” – Edward Hunt
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“The revenge game is looming large, and this is another must-win game for both teams. The Steelers defense needs to make it short field for their offense to put up points.” – Ryan Pawlowski
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“The Browns are hot, and the Steelers aren’t it is that simple. Without James Conner and Juju Smith-Schuster at full health, the offense struggles. The defense keeps it close, but there just isn’t enough from the offense to pull out the win.” – Brandon Kring
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“With Duck managing the game, and not “killing” us: Expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to come away with the victory. I anticipate the score to end up being” – Christian Brown
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“I see a lot more energy and swagger on offense with Duck at the helm. The Steelers’ defense will not let Baker get loose again. Steelers win” – Jobe Morrison
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“The Steelers will be coming into this game motivated as ever. The playoff race still open and a chance to avenge their loss against the Browns just 2 weeks prior. Not to mention the scuffle that occurred at the end of that game. Pittsburgh continues to ride the “duck call” and keep the momentum going with Hodges at Quarterback. The defense stifles the Browns in a big division win. ” – Chris Halling
Next. Steelers ‘Duck’ Hodges swoops in to save the day. dark
“Though Pittsburgh is looking forward with QB Devlin Hodges, the Cleveland Browns are riding a three-game winning streak where their offense is finding their groove again. Due to the limitations of the Steelers offense, they’ll find success but struggle to cap off drives. Pittsburgh keeps it close, but the Browns pull it off to sweep the season series.” – Jordan Newman