The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on the Cleveland Browns which is a must-win game for the Browns to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Cleveland is sitting at 10-5 and are 9.5 point favorites to the Steelers, after falling apart to the New York Jets. Pittsburgh has found themselves in serious trouble as of late as they have gone 1- 3 in their last four games, they were able to squeak out a 4 point victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning on resting some of their starters with the biggest being Big Ben with Mason Rudolph starting in his place. The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled greatly as of late but were able to catch a break as of late with a late win over Indy after a slow start that saw them down 21-7 at half time. Their only score from the first half was off of a Colts fumble that led to short field position for Pittsburgh. As of now aside from Big Ben, the Steelers are also resting T.J. Watt, Maurkice Pouncey Cameron Heyward, Chris Boswell, and Terrell Edmunds.
The last time we saw Mason Rudolph he had struggled poorly as he tossed 13 TDs to 9 INTs in his 10 appearances in relief for an injured Big Ben with a 5-5 record in total and 5-3 as a starter. The Steelers were able to win in spite of Rudolph's poor play with a strong running game which has been largely non-existent this season.
The Cleveland Browns blew a pristine opportunity to make the playoffs with their loss to the New Jets but they'll have another as 9.5 point favorites against a Roethlisberger less Steelers team. The Browns were forced to turn to receivers from the practice squad due to COVID-19 protocols.
With the help of James Conner and the receiving weapons of Dionte Johnson and others, Rudolph should be able to play just good enough to cover and maybe even win as he has in the past by leaning on the run. Cleveland will be without Denzel Ward yet again which has proven to be an issue as they've allowed the 7th most passing touchdowns this season. I'm taking both the Steelers spread and the OVER.
