Getting to an 8-2 record has not been easy for the Steelers, especially with the type of competition they have faced recently. They have gone up against playoff contenders like the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens in the past two games. Both of the battles were tough wins, but their victory over the Ravens could play a factor going into a short week to face Cleveland.
Week 12 poses a unique challenge of the season for the black and gold. They will need to find a way to grind out another AFC North battle after playing a grueling and physical matchup just four days before they face the Browns. The Steelers will be tested just as much mentally as they are physically in a hostile environment. Championship teams should be able to find success in different challenges.
On paper, this game should be an easy win for the Steelers. Cleveland has fallen off a cliff this year with their 2-8 record. Things are in turmoil, but make no mistake about it, the Browns would love to knock off the Steelers if they are caught sleeping. We know Pittsburgh has looked past opponents plenty of times under the tutelage of Mike Tomlin, but they will do their best not to this time.
Still Curtain Expert panel predictions have the Steelers struggling
"Can the Steelers be stopped right now? No matter the challenge in front of them, they have found ways to win. The Browns don't pose a huge threat, but AFC games are always tough. Coming off a physical game doesn't help either. Browns cool the Steelers off." - Andrew Falce (Browns 20-17)
"The Steelers hit the climax of their season with a massive win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. This victory thrust Pittsburgh further into first place in the AFC North. Now Mike Tomlin's team must turn around on a short week and face the Browns in Cleveland. Don't underestimate how tough divisional road matchups can be -- even against a struggling team. I believe Pittsburgh's talent will win out, but it will be a struggle." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 21-17)
"Pittsburgh is on a short week after an old-fashioned AFC North battle with the Ravens. The Browns are a team Pittsburgh needs to beat as one of the weaker opponents in a tough second half schedule. The offense will get back on track after an uneasy showing against Baltimore." - Brandon Kring (Steelers 28-10)
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"After an electrifying win at home against the Ravens, the Steelers will look to maintain the AFC North Division lead as we head into Cleveland for a Thursday Night matchup. Unfortunately for us, the short week will prove to be our demise. In what will be a hard-fought contest, the Steelers will fall to the Browns." - Eric C Hassel (Browns 20-17)
"Some Steelers fans are going to say things like 'Trap Game' or 'Tomlin's team will play down to the Browns' - don't listen to them. The Browns lost by three scores to the downtrodden Saints. They may be better with Jameis Winston at QB, but they have way more problems they have failed to overcome. Steelers win a bit more comfortably on a short week." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 24-10)
Final predictions has Steelers squeaking out a win in Week 12
Score Prediction: Steelers 24, Browns 22
Steelers Nation better be ready for a Friday full of tired working folks. Expect the Thursday night game to keep people up with high blood pressure as their favorite team keeps the Browns in the fight. There are plenty of reasons to think the Steelers should win this matchup, but everyone in Pittsburgh knows it is going to be close. Don't predict a blowout if you know the type of history these teams have.
Pittsburgh is 0-3 against the Browns on Thursday night when the games are played in Cleveland under Tomlin. That is a concerning stat even if Pittsburgh was starting two backup-level players at quarterback in two out of the three games. We know the black and gold have struggled with worse Browns clubs. It is going to be tight and could slip away from the Steelers if they're not careful.
Cleveland has a quality defense still, but they will be missing some pieces. The Steeler's offense sputtered last week, so they need to take advantage this time around. They should run the ball effectively enough to balance out Russell Wilson's passing attack. With a short week, this game will be decided on explosive plays and how the trenches shake out for both units.
Jameis Winston hasn't been great for the Browns, but he isn't afraid to chuck the ball downfield. If Cleveland can establish the run and take shots downfield off of their success, then it could be a tough challenge to overcome. Expect a tight battle that could be higher scoring than many might anticipate. Pittsburgh's secondary could get exposed because of the short week.