Steelers vs. Browns: Still Curtain’s Week 8 predictions

In the 7th edition, the Still Curtain team provides their predictions for the Steelers Week 8 matchup vs. the Browns.

Pittsburgh is coming off a bye week with a much-needed chance to finally get the defense healthy. For the most part, Pittsburgh’s starters on the defensive side of the ball will be healthy. While Stephon Tuitt is still on IR — and aside from Tyson Alualu the rest of the season — the defense is set as of now.

It is worth noting Melvin Ingram was limited in practice on Thursday with a groin injury. He is a rotational piece so even if his snap count should be limited it likely won’t affect the lineup come Sunday.

Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb were both limited participants on Thursday as well. Although they were just 2 of 16 that didn’t practice fully for the Browns on Thursday. It is somewhat refreshing to see the Black and Gold coming into a game with fewer players on the injury report than their opponents.

However, the Browns shouldn’t be taken lightly. They showed in Week 7 against Denver that they can gut out an ugly win with reserves playing and they will surely look to do that again this week. With that being said Pittsburgh may end up as the favorite in Week 8. With every member of the Still Curtain feeling confident after picking the winner in Week 6, how will we respond?

Still Curtain 2021 Records

Kody Duncan: 4-1

Andrew Falce: 1-5

Eric Hassel: 2-4

Brendan Howe: 1-0

Tommy Jaggi: 3-3

Brandon Kring: 3-3

Shayne Kubas: 2-4

Scott Long: 4-2

Luke Metrinko 1-2

Ryan Pawlowski: 3-3

Loyal Ricks Jr: 4-2

Casey Sadekoski: 4-2

Week 8 predictions vs Browns

Kody Duncan: The Steelers and Browns are starting to become a rivalry again. This game will be determined by the defense and if they can stop the run. I believe they will. (Pit 21-20)

Andrew Falce: Steelers look to come off the bye and continue their winning streak. Unfortunately, the same offensive struggles hold this team back. (Pit 21-17)

Eric Hassel: Coming off the bye week, the Steelers look to keep the winning train going. In what will prove to be a typical back and forth AFC North contest, the Steelers emerge victorious on a game-winning field goal. Final score (Pit 23-20)

Tommy Jaggi: I know the Steelers are underdogs in this one, but I really have a feeling they are going to come out of Cleveland with a win. The Browns have some banged-up players, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, while Pittsburgh is fresh off their bye. With a defense finally edging towards healthy, I think Ben Roethlisberger and company win their third straight game in a contest that is likely to come down to the wire. (Pit 23-20)

Brandon Kring: This will be a defensive slugfest and the Steelers need to figure out the run defense. It may be easier if Mayfield doesn’t go but the Browns offense can pop off at any time and Pittsburgh’s is the exact opposite in a close one this week. (Pit 18-13)

Shayne Kubas: Steelers are fresh off a bye, while the Browns loaded roster is dealing with injuries of its own. Pittsburgh won’t have an easy out against a still tough Browns team with home-field advantage but they escape with a close win. (Pit 20-17)

Scott Long: TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward are too much for the banged-up Baker Mayfield to handle. (Pit 23-16)

Luke Metrinko: The Steelers I believe will continue to struggle a little bit on offense to move the football. But I do believe that the defense will be ready and Pittsburgh will get out of Clevland with a win on a low-scoring game. (Pit 17-14)

Ryan Pawlowski: It is going to be a tough and gritty defensive football game. The Browns’ injuries will cost them this game at the end. Expect a last-second game-winner from Chris Boswell.(Pit 20-19)

Casey Sadekoski: While people have been focused on the Browns’ injuries on offense, the Browns have quite a few injuries throughout their defense. I expect Najee Harris to have his second 100-yard rushing performance on the season. While rookie Pat Freiermuth will look to take advantage of both Ebron’s injury and Clevland’s injuries over the middle of the field. The Steelers surprise everyone with a surprisingly convincing win over Cleveland. (Pit 30-17)