Steelers vs. Browns on Thursday night kicks off Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season as the Steelers look to take control of the AFC North.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns will face a quick turnaround this Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field in a pivotal AFC North showdown.
Pittsburgh enters Week 12 riding high after a gritty victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers leaned on their relentless defense and the steady leg of kicker Chris Boswell to secure the win, keeping Mike Tomlin’s team atop the division despite ongoing struggles on offense.
For Cleveland, the season has unraveled. Last week, a blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints marked their seventh defeat in eight games, deepening the spiral for a team that once had postseason aspirations. Now, the Browns face a fierce rival and the daunting task of halting their slide in a short week. Two teams, one night, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer.
We’re officially 8-1 in our last three Thursday night best bets!
Check out our Steelers vs Browns picks, predictions, and best bets!
Steelers vs. Browns Betting Preview
All Steelers vs. Browns odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
- Spread: Steelers -3.5
- Moneyline: Steelers -195 | Browns +165
- Over/Under: 36.5
- Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Huntington Bank Field | Cleveland, OH
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 37 degrees, Partly Cloudy, 16 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Steelers vs. Browns Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
On a short week, the NFL script often takes unexpected turns, and Thursday night in Cleveland feels ripe for one. The Browns, struggling at 1-4 at home, face a Pittsburgh team that’s been a model of defensive consistency, allowing more than 17 points just twice all season. Yet, divisional games have a way of flipping the script, especially on a tight turnaround.
Jameis Winston has endured eight sacks in recent losses to the Ravens and Chargers, while Russell Wilson—despite taking three or more sacks in four starts—has managed to avoid costly mistakes. Still, Wilson’s performance last week left much to be desired, and questions linger about whether Pittsburgh, fresh off gritty wins, can avoid a letdown.
The Steelers have mastered the art of winning close games, but the Browns, with their backs against the wall, seem poised to dig deep. Cleveland’s defense will need to rise to the challenge, and in a divisional clash where emotions run high, they just might.
On paper, Pittsburgh is the better team, but division rivalries are rarely dictated by paper. In a game where everyone expects the Steelers to cruise, Cleveland could surprise. Take the points—and don’t rule out the Browns finding a way to “steel” one from their rivals.
Najee Harris – RB, Steelers – Over 64.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
Najee Harris faced a stiff challenge last week, grinding out 63 yards on 18 carries against a formidable Ravens run defense. Yet, his recent form tells a different story—three 100-yard performances in his last four outings, showcasing his ability to be the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s ground game.
Another narrative to blow up…Najee Harris “is a JAG.”
Separate the OL from the RB, please. pic.twitter.com/0KyNmz1HNt
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 17, 2024
Thursday night’s forecasted cold weather could further tilt the game plan in Harris’s favor as the Steelers look to lean on their bruising back. The matchup, too, is inviting. The Browns’ run defense has struggled mightily, ranking 25th in defensive rush EPA and allowing 131.7 rushing yards per game. Without linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who has been sidelined since Week 8 with a neck injury, Cleveland has been vulnerable, surrendering 4.8 yards per carry and ranking 27th in the league.
The conditions and matchup set the stage for Harris to shine. The Steelers will feed their workhorse, and they can expect him to clear his rushing total with authority.
Nick Chubb – RB, Browns – Under 54.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
The Browns may be grounded by chaotic winds on Thursday night, and while a run-heavy game plan seems likely, Nick Chubb faces a steep uphill climb to surpass 53.5 rushing yards against a stingy Steelers defense. Pittsburgh ranks eighth in defensive rush EPA and holds opposing running backs to just 3.9 yards per carry.
Chubb has yet to eclipse that mark in four games since his return from a devastating knee injury—a torn ACL and MCL in the same knee that sidelined him in college. Once the league’s most explosive back, leading the NFL with +1,312 rushing yards over expected from 2018 to 2023, Chubb now sits at -18 yards over expected on 53 carries this season.
He’s about to show all of America he will bounce back pic.twitter.com/Trn5TmOhnz
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) November 20, 2024
Last week, Chubb played just 30% of Cleveland’s offensive snaps, logging 11 carries, while backup Jerome Ford saw 56% and handled five. Without the downfield passing threat to loosen the box, and with Chubb still sharing touches, the matchup becomes even more demanding. He struggled to find space against the Saints, Chargers, and Ravens, and now Pittsburgh’s disciplined front seven looms.
For a player once synonymous with breakaway brilliance, the road back to peak form appears long. On Thursday, I’m fading Chubb, trusting the Steelers’ defense to hold firm.
Best Bets:
- Browns +3.5
- Najee Harris OVER 64.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
- Nick Chubb UNDER 54.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
