The Steelers head into week two of their NFL season as underdogs at home against the Cleveland Browns. It seems like their embarrassing beatdown last week against the San Francisco 49ers has only made them seem more of a joke recently. Things looked terrible for Pittsburgh last week and many are questioning if this team will be able to win many games this year.
Despite the terrible loss last week and the Browns dominating the Cincinnati Bengals, experts are not picking the obvious choice here. Overall, it seems like most experts are picking the home team to win this one which is somewhat surprising. This should be a close game when it is all said and done unless the Steelers somehow overcome their warts.
NFL Spine Zone has the Browns winning in a low scoring battle
Prediction: Browns 20, Steelers 13
Cleveland had a great game, especially on the defensive side of the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals. They are now going up against an offensive line that played much worse than their opponent did last week, and the Steelers could be without their starting right tackle. This could spell disaster for Kenny Pickett and any hope he has for pass protection.
It will take Broderick Jones to play stellar at left tackle and for Dan Moore Jr. to hold up on the right side. Perhaps the Steelers just improve to a night and day difference in this game and the Browns struggle to find any answers. Expect a tough defensive battle from both sides, but the Browns defense is in a better spot to succeed on Monday. It will take that much to make a difference for the black and gold.