2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 8

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) at Cleveland Browns (4-3)

Sunday, October 31, 1PM ET

This is an AFC North matchup. That means anything is possible. No one expected the Bengals to smash the Ravens last week, but that’s exactly what happened. I’m predicting something similar happens in my upset of the week pick.

Obviously, the Cleveland Browns aren’t expected to have a big edge here, but they’re also bruised and battered at this point in the season. Both of their top running backs are banged up, and it’s unclear if Baker Mayfield will be ready to go. Although Case Keenum played well last week, it’s no guarantee the veteran journeyman has another big game in him.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are relatively healthy and coming off their bye week. Najee Harris is having a huge season, and Ben Roethlisberger is slowly ramping up after a slow start to the year. Even without Juju Smith-Schuster, the Steelers have plenty of firepower on offense. Furthermore, they have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Pittsburgh surprises in this one, allowing their outstanding defense to create opportunities for their offense. The Steelers find the end zone early and often, leapfrogging the Browns in the AFC North while improving to 4-3.

Prediction: Steelers win 37-18 | Spread: Browns (-3.5)