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The Cleveland Browns are one loss away from an 0-16 campaign, and it’s going to be hard for them to avoid that fate. The Browns will go on the road for their regular season finale in 2017 and play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.
Cleveland has proven to be the worst team in football once again, while the Steelers still have an outside shot at the top seed in the AFC and need a win to keep that slim chance alive. Pittsburgh is both at home and much more talented, so it will be a heavy favorite to take care of business.
The Browns actually played Pittsburgh extremely tough in the season opener, but the Steelers have hit their groove and should have no problem cruising to the victory in this one. The only real question will be which team covers the spread.
This contest in Week 17 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Heinz Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Cleveland Browns +11
Pittsburgh Steelers -11
Over/Under 38
Odds Analysis
The Browns are listed as double-digit underdogs. They have gotten the majority of the action to cover the spread, as more than 58 percent of the money is headed toward Cleveland to lose by 10 or less.
The scoring total is extremely low. The “over” is the more common choice and it is a no-brainer to go that way as Pittsburgh can put up enough points to make sure the teams combine for more than projected.
Injury Report
Antonio Brown — The Steelers’ superstar wideout will not play in this game with a lower leg contusion. He has been out since getting hurt against the Patriots in Week 15 but is expected back for the playoffs, when the team will really need him. Brown has been the best receiver in the NFL this season and is getting some MVP consideration. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant will likely see their roles increase due to Brown’s absence.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun — Cleveland’s defensive end was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Bears with a knee injury. He hasn’t played since Dec. 3 against the Chargers. It has been a disappointing season and one that could end on a low note if Boddy-Calhoun can’t get back on the court.
Key Stat
Zero. That’s how many games the Browns have won this year with just this one regular season matchup remaining, Cleveland could become the first team since the 2008 Lions to go winless throughout the entire season. The Browns have come close to breaking the streak a few times this season, and pushed two games to overtime, but failed to pull it off each time.
The first matchup between these two teams was a close one, with Pittsburgh defeating Cleveland 21-18 on September 10th. The Browns have lost five games by a touchdown or less this season, but were completely outmatched in their recent matchups against the Ravens and Bears.
Cleveland has won just four games in the last three seasons combined, but can take solace in the fact that the team has secured the first pick for the 2018 draft.
Free ATS Pick
The Browns’ winless season is going to happen. If the Steelers didn’t have anything to play for this could have been an interesting game, but look for Pittsburgh to take control early. If the Patriots win then the Steelers may not finish this one very strong.
With that in mind, take the Browns to narrowly cover the spread. The “over” is the easy choice on the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Steelers 27, Browns 17
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