Week 14 Predictions: Can the Steelers Overcome the Browns?

Everyone in Pittsburgh knew their Week 12 matchup against the Browns had trap game written all over it. At the time, the Steelers were coming off a massive win against the Ravens and had to quickly turn their attention to Cleveland for a Thursday night battle. It seemed obvious that Pittsburgh would not only struggle to beat the Browns that week, but they could easily lose that game.

Things should be different this time around as Cleveland will be going to The Steel City to play this game on their short week. They lost to the Denver Broncos on Monday night which saw both offenses come alive. That extra day and a half of rest should aid the Steelers in this upcoming contest in Week 14. Things won’t be easy for Pittsburgh, but they have to win this game and provide revenge.

Despite their loss, the Browns have shown an ignition of unsteady offense since Jameis Winston took over as their starting quarterback. He will have some great plays throughout a game and follow that up by making some head-scratching decisions. He played well against the Black and Gold last time, so the defense must find alternative routes to force Winston into poor choices.

Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Week 14 prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 23

Pittsburgh has a relatively easy avenue to victory over the Browns in Week 14. They need to clean up their play from last time and that should immediately put them in the driver’s seat. The Steelers’ offense needs to be better when it comes to pass protection and keeping the ball secure. If they can slow down Myles Garrett or take him out of the game, then it should do wonders for Pittsburgh’s chances.

When it comes to the Steeler’s defense, they did a decent job the last time these two teams played. They need to stop the run entirely. If they fail to do that, then it will make things much easier for Winston and company in the passing game. It is ok if the defense bends in this matchup, but they need to find ways of not allowing the Browns to get into the end zone. That hurt them last time.

Turnovers will highlight the end of this game, especially after Winston is coming off a contest where he threw three interceptions, and two of those were returned for touchdowns. That could affect his confidence, and that should only be hindered further in a hostile environment. Cleveland might have a terrible record, but that doesn’t mean they can’t surprise a team, much like they did just a couple of weeks ago.

Pittsburgh’s offense needs to find a way to get going in this game. They just scored 44 points last week, so hopefully that is the turning point for them this year. They need to protect the ball and remain focused on the job in front of them. If they have a similar outing as they had against the Browns in Week 12, then it could be a similar conclusion, which would infuriate fans.