2021 NFL Playoffs picks, score predictions for Wild Card Round
Cleveland Browns (6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3)
Sunday, January 10, 8:15PM ET
There’s no denying that the Cleveland Browns’ Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to secure their playoff berth wasn’t impressive. They barely beat the Steelers’ JV squad, which shouldn’t incite much confidence in this club’s ability to pull off a second win against the Varsity squad.
Well, I’m still picking the Browns. As we all know, the Steelers haven’t been playing well in recent weeks. After starting 11-0, they went 1-4 to finish the season, dropping from first in the AFC to third. Now, they’re set to square off with Cleveland in the first round — a matchup that can’t be looked at as anything other than a serious challenge.
Sure, the Browns have been a bit bipolar at times this season. They’ve pulled off impressive wins, while seemingly following them up with pitiful performances. Regardless, Kevin Stefansky has rounded this roster into shape and should have them primed to topple the Steelers during the first weekend of the postseason.
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Baker Mayfield has a solid outing, and the Cleveland ground game gets going early. Ben Roethlisberger struggles as he did throughout December, and the Browns get just enough help from their defense to sneak by with the victory.
Prediction: Browns win 26-24