The one game standing between the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and their bye week is their most consequential yet, as they are set to take on the 5-2 Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
When the ball is kicked, it will be exactly a month to the day since Cleveland took the first game between the teams on Thursday Night Football. However, the Steelers have rattled off three straight wins since then. The winner of this game will be in sole possession of first place in the AFC North heading
into the second half of the regular season.
With both teams coming off wins and identical records, FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Pittsburgh Steelers the slight edge as a 3.5-point favorite over Cleveland.
This is as close to a “must-win” game in the middle of the season for the Steelers as we will ever see. With all of that being said, here are some predictions based around my favorite prop bets of the weekend.
Germie Bernard over 43.5 receiving yards
This number is ridiculously low because the rookie receiver will be one of, if not the most targeted pass catchers on the entire team on Sunday. Last time these two teams met, Bernard got barely any playing time, but that gives him the chance to take advantage of a group that hasn’t seen what he can do yet. In their first matchup, Pittsburgh had two receivers go over this total.
I’m not letting last game scare me, as the Steelers controlled the clock running the football, leading to limited opportunities for any receiver. It would be a shock to see no receiver have more than three catches for the second week in a row. Bernard is a volume receiver that the Steelers will need to rely on to get open and break some tackles against their tough man defense.
Rico Dowdle gets over 70 scrimmage yards
Ever since running back Rico Dowdle has returned to the lineup from his toe injury, he has looked significantly more efficient with the ball in his hands. Sure, the improved offensive line helps, but Dowdle is going to continue to earn more runs in the offense with his numbers improving. Last week, the veteran back averaged a season-high 4.6 yards per carry. Dowdle also hauled in six passes, good for the most on the team, for 45 yards.
It was a more even share of the opportunities for the Steelers running backs, as Dowdle had 16 touches compared to Jaylen Warren’s 21. Dowdle is the change of pace back in the Steelers offense, but is one that they will continue to use quite a bit as he gets healthier. Warren’s breakout doesn’t mean that Dowdle won’t be involved in the offense. In fact, I think what we saw against New Orleans is what we can expect from Dowdle for the rest of the season. With the browns struggles to defend the run, both backs could be in for a big day on Sunday.
Darnell Washington continues dominance with a touchdown
The Steelers’ six-foot-seven tight end has already set career highs in total touchdowns this season. His increased usage in the red zone is something Steelers fans have been begging to see for years now. Last week, Washington dunked on Saints defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry as he snatched the ball out of the air from four yards out for the Steelers’ only touchdown in Paris.
The tight end has caught a touchdown pass in two consecutive games, and I have a hard time seeing that trend stopping against Cleveland given his continued usage in the red zone. Washington also scored against the Browns in their first matchup a month ago. It almost makes too much sense to see Washington in the end zone again on Sunday.
What are your predictions for Steelers vs. Browns in their Week 8 matchup? Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
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