4 bold predictions for the Steelers vs. Browns in Week 2

The Steelers are hoping to rebound after a disastrous first week of NFL action. The defense wasn’t as advertised and the offense was a shell of what many expected it to be. Things seem grim heading into a Monday Night Football showdown with the Browns.

I’m having a tough time getting a read on this game. On one hand, the Steelers looked horrible in week one while the Browns effectively shut down the Bengals. On the other, Pittsburgh usually matches up well in the AFC North, and these games always come down to the wire. Here are my four bold predictions for this game.

1. The Steelers get some help from Calvin Austin

It was a tough first week for the Steelers on the injury front, as Cameron Heyward and Diontae Johnson are both going to miss multiple weeks. That opens the door for Calvin Austin to a lot of burn despite moving forward, as he should see snaps as the third receiver for this team.

I have a feeling that he goes off this week. While his first half is quiet, Austin takes the first punt of the second quarter to the house to spark this team to salvage the day. He showcases his ability to make guys miss as well as his speed to find the endzone.

That isn’t his lone trip to the endzone either. While Austin puts up a respectable 55 yards through the air, including a 32-yard bomb, he finds the end zone a second time on the ground. He compiles 64 yards rushing, with 52 of those yards coming on a carry out of the backfield.

In total, Austin compiles over 100 total yards and scores twice. His impact is one of the main reasons that the Steelers remain competitive in this game, as he provides the spark with some big plays.