Browns vs. Steelers pick, predictions, live stream and odds for Wild Card playoff
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
It was just last week that the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers matched up, the latter resting players while the former fought for their first playoff berth in nearly two decades. So it only stands to reason that the AFC North rivals now have another date, this time meeting at Heinz Field on Sunday night to conclude the Wild Card Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
Baker Mayfield and the Browns enjoyed one of the best years in franchise history, at least since their return to the league in 1999. The quarterback not only hit his stride in the second half but they were buoyed by a dominant year from running back Nick Chubb. However, Cleveland comes into this matchup battling COVID-19 issues as head coach Kevin Stefanski and several key players will be out for this game.
The Steelers defense, led by the likes of T.J. Watt, will look to take advantage of that and continue to be a dominant force. Having said that, Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense have been lackluster for much of the stretch run. To truly take advantage of their rival in this matchup, that’s something that must be remedied.
So with the final spot in the Divisional Round playoffs on the line, let’s get into everything you need to know for the Browns vs. Steelers playoff matchup on Sunday night.
How to watch Browns vs. Steelers on Wild Card Weekend
Date: Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021
Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
TV Info: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Sports
The endcap to Wild Card Weekend, the matchup from Pittsburgh will be broadcast on NBC for the traditional Sunday Night Football broadcast. Subsequently, you can stream the game via NBC Sports live online or on the NBC Sports app by logging in with a valid cable or satellite subscription.
Point spread, odds for Browns vs. Steelers
Point Spread: Pittsburgh -5.5
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -265, Cleveland +225
Over/Under Total: 48
Odds via The Action Network
It’s hard not to bet on the favorites given the issues that the Browns are facing coming into this game. Then again, the Steelers have severely underperformed on numerous occasions this year. So I would actually advise staying away from the spread in this game. Having said that, the Pittsburgh defense has looked mortal as of late and this total doesn’t reflect that. Take the over.
Browns vs. Steelers pick, predictions for Wild Card playoffs
Though he often gets criticized, I believe in Mayfield under the bright lights. It’s a situation in which the Cleveland quarterback has thrived throughout his football life and this is his first taste of the playoffs. With his back against the wall situationally, he’ll fight back with a stellar peformance.
Next. 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Fields leaps to Jags at No. 1. dark
At the end of the day, it’ll be a back-and-forth affair. But the Browns are going to top the rival Steelers for the second straight weeks, sending shockwaves throughout the NFL in the process.
Final Score: Browns 33, Steelers 28