With the Steelers Week 6 matchup with the Browns fast approaching, here are some bold predictions for the final outcome of the game.
While the win during week five against the Eagles may not have been as dominant as it should have potentially been, it still left the Steelers as undefeated. Now comes the first of a stretch of challenging matchups, as the Steelers take on the Browns this Sunday. The Browns are coming off a successful string of wins, and they will surely look to keep that momentum going on Sunday.
On paper, these teams match up well. Both teams have some struggles on defense but have elite pass rushers. On offense, the Browns seem to rely heavily on the run in order to set up the pass. The Steelers have been quite the opposite, moving the ball in the short game and trying to control the clock with the ground game. Both teams possess talent, and this game is being touted as one of the best of the week.
Despite what is expected, there are still some bold predictions that can be made about this game. There are quite a few intriguing matchups that could be exploited as well as some players who could break out. While none of these predictions are guaranteed to come true, it isn’t unthinkable that at least one ends up occurring on Sunday. All of this said, here are five bold predictions for the Steelers week six matchup against the Browns.
Hunt gets stuffed
While Nick Chubb was the heart and soul of this Browns offense, Kareem Hunt has done a great job of filling in. He’s been used all over the field and has already scored six times on the year. To take him lightly would be a mistake, and considering the Brown’s reliance on the rushing game, stopping Hunt has to be a priority.
Luckily for the Steelers, the strongest aspect of their defense is their run defense. They have held some quality players to lackluster gains, with their worst showing having been to Melvin Gordon in week two. Considering the Browns offensive line is banged up as well, Hunt could be in for a long day getting bullied by a physical Steelers defense.
Don’t be surprised if Hunt has a mediocre day on Sunday. While his versatility in the passing game could give him a decent yardage output, he appears to have a long day running the ball ahead of him. While a score could salvage his day fantasy-wise, be prepared for a lackluster day overall from Hunt. Considering the Browns rely heavily on the running game, this could be a key reason the Steelers grab a win.
Claypool scores again
While it would be hard to imagine Chase Claypool having a game similar to that of last week, it doesn’t seem like he is ready to slow down quite yet. The rookie had four scores to go along with over 100 yards as he put the entire NFL on notice. While the Browns will certainly figure to pay him more attention, it will be hard to focus too much on him as it could allow the other Steelers receivers to get open.
While his total yardage may go down a little, I think he could still find the end zone, twice. He showed in week five that he was slippery to go along with fast and powerful. His second receiving score was evidence of that. Don’t be surprised if he makes a couple of guys miss in the open field as he scores another touchdown.
As well, the Steelers began to utilize Claypool more in the red zone. He got a jet sweep early to score and later took a screen in as well. If the Steelers get close to the goal line, Claypool will be a favorite to get the ball, as his size and speed will make it hard to keep him out of the end zone. While he may not get as many looks due to more coverage focused on him, he could make whatever opportunities he gets count.
While adding another four touchdowns to his stat sheet isn’t likely, don’t be surprised if he is celebrating in the end zone once or twice on Sunday. Though he hasn’t quite become the Steelers primary starting receiver, he is certainly warranting more playing time. Expect the rookie to get a few looks on Sunday and for him to maximize the potential of those plays when he sees them.
Garrett wrecks havoc
Myles Garrett is the thorn in the side of Alejandro Villanueva. His worst games always seem to come against Garrett, and that will likely be no different this week. As of now, Garrett has been one of the best pass rushers in the league, and he is playing at a level that would be hard for anyone to stop. While Villanueva has been playing well for the Steelers, he may be in for a long day against Garrett.
I think Garrett has three to four sacks waiting for him on Sunday. That is a testament to how good he is playing right now. As well, Ben Roethlisberger has yet to suffer through a really physical game, and Sunday seems like a safe bet that he will hit the ground a few times. This could affect his decision-making and as a result force more interceptions. As well, Garrett can target Roethlisberger on sacks and force a couple of fumbles as well.
The question isn’t if Garrett will be a disruption, it’ll be how much of a disruption is he. If the Steelers can hold him to a single sack, they should leave on Sunday feeling pretty good. If things go south however and Garrett begins wreaking havoc, the Steelers offense could stall due to his constant pressure. How well Garrett does will be a big determination in who wins on Sunday.
The QBs get sloppy
Garrett isn’t the only player that can rush the passer though, as the Steelers certainly have a defense that has seen a lot of sacks so far. To be fair, both of these teams should have some success getting after the quarterback. Roethlisberger has been known to make some mistakes when pressured, and Baker Mayfield has been known to throw some interceptions as well. Considering the two defenses playing, this game could get sloppy quickly.
If either team is forced to pass regularly, it could lead to some more interceptions for both teams. It isn’t unthinkable that five to six interceptions are shared between the two starting quarterbacks. If this is the case, the game will suddenly be far more dependent on successful drives and the ability to sustain them. If both starters get sloppy, this game could be won by anyone quickly.
The key for both Mayfield and Roethlisberger will be to minimize mistakes. Whichever quarterback has fewer turnovers could end up guiding their team to victory. In what should be a competitive game, either way, finding a way to beat turnovers will be essential on Sunday. Don’t be surprised if both quarterbacks struggle though as they face some fierce pass rushers.
Conner returns to form
The boldest prediction this week, and one I believe will ultimately win the game for the Steelers, is James Conner. While he barely got to play against them last year, 2018 was kind to Conner against the Browns. Between the two matchups, Conner logged over 400 total yards and four scores. While the Browns defense has made some strides since then, it could still be susceptible to the run this week.
To be fair, the Browns have yet to give up a 100-yard rusher this season. While that would bode well for them holding Conner in check, the issue is no rusher has had a lot of chances to actually get there. Minus their Ravens game in week one, the Browns have jumped to early leads most weeks, causing teams to focus on passing. Yes, the Browns held Ezekiel Elliot 54 rushing yards, but he only got to the carry the ball 12 times due to the Cowboys being down for most of the game.
As for this week, even if it is high scoring, it will likely remain close. That means the Steelers will still be able to run the ball, giving Conner ample opportunities to remind the NFL what kind of a talent he is when healthy. I think he has over 175 total yards and two scores by the end of the game. Conner has yet to return to his 2018 form, and this Sunday against the Browns looks like a great opportunity.
While none of the predictions above aren’t a guarantee to happen, keep them in mind when the Steelers take on the Browns this week. If any of these predictions hit, it is likely to determine the outcome of the game.