The Steelers opened as 5.5-point favorites over the Cleveland Browns this week, but here’s why the line for Pittsburgh has since narrowed.
For the fifth consecutive game to open the 2020 season, the Steelers enter Week 6 as favorites yet again. This could have something to do with Pittsburgh’s best start since the 1979 season – a year in which they eventually went on to win the Super Bowl. Though they are set to face off against the 4-1 Cleveland Browns, oddsmakers like their chances in this one.
That is, they did. When the lines opened this week, Pittsburgh was favored by 5.5 points, courtesy of The Action Network. However, in less than a day’s time, that line has been bet all the way down to just 3.5 points.
If you know much about gambling, the home team is always given three points. So on a neutral field, this game could come essentially down to a ‘pick ’em’. If this game were to be played in Cleveland, it’s very likely the Browns would be favored at this point.
Should the Steelers be favored against the Browns?
With betters already taking the Browns to either win or cover the spread this week, there are apparently a lot of folks out there who believe Pittsburgh’s luck is about to run out. The Steelers have been fortunate enough to open the season with 4 games against teams with a combined record of 3-15-1. Unfortunately, the Browns have more wins than all of those teams combined.
At 4-1, it’s time to start taking Cleveland seriously, as they could prove to be a legitimate contender in 2020. The Browns are currently 4th in the league in total offense, and through five weeks, they boast the number one rushing offense in all of football, according to Team Rankings.
On defense, Cleveland has been below average, as they are currently 21st in offensive yards allowed and 25th in points allowed per game. However, don’t let that fool you. While the Browns may not have a top defense from a statistical standpoint, they have a few stars that can make you pay.
One of those players is Myles Garrett. Garrett has earned a whopping 6.0 sacks and 10 quarterback hits in his first 5 games of the season, and he is a threat to have a monster performance against Pittsburgh’s offensive tackles this week.
For the Steelers, Cleveland will undoubtedly be the most difficult opponent they have faced so far in the 2020 season. After getting spanked by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, Cleveland has been on a four-game win streak. Most recently, they had impressive wins against the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts as the Browns have combined for 81 points over their last two contests.
The Steelers are certainly a good enough team to take down the Browns at Heinz Field this week, however, it’s going to take a solid performance on both sides of the ball. This betting line has already shifted 2 points towards Clevland in less than a day’s time. I will check back in with an update on where we stand before game day.