Pittsburgh Steelers Huge Favorites Over Visiting Cleveland Browns

NFL News - October 13th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to try and stay in the hunt for an AFC North title as they host their conference rival Cleveland Browns. The Browns have not gotten off to a great start this year and are 1-4 on the season. Cleveland got their first win of the season in Week 5, as they squeaked by Buffalo 6-3. The Steelers held off a pesky Detroit Lions team on Sunday and got their third win of the year 28-20. Brown's quarterback Derek Anderson will need to get a struggling offense to produce in order to compete with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The Cleveland Browns has been absolutely dreadful on offense this year. The Browns have just 3 offensive touchdowns through 5 games. They are only averaging 11 points per game and 248 total yards, which ranks 31st in the league. Anderson, who took over for Brady Quinn after he failed to move the offense in their first three games, has only thrown for 384 yards and 1 touchdown. He also has 5 interceptions in an offense that is averaging only 142 yards through the air. Their rushing attack has only produced 1 touchdown and that was by Anderson. Running backs Jamal Lewis and Jerome Anderson have combined for 412 yards, but have not managed to find the end zone.

Defensively for the Browns, things do not get much better. They are allowing 380 total yards and 24 pints points per game through 5 games. They must find a way to stop the Steelers' air attack, which is ranked 4th in the league.

The offense for Pittsburgh has carried the team after their defense has not lived up to their past few seasons performances. Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 1,420 yards and 8 touchdowns. The wide receiver trio of Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Mike Wallace have combined for 1,070 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tight end Heath Miller has also caught 29 passes for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns. Pittsburgh will look to improve on their 21st ranked rushing attack against Cleveland. Running backs Willie Parker and Rashard Mendehall have combined for 446 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Cleveland's rushing attack will have a tough time against the Steelers who have the second best rushing defense in the league. They are only surrendering 71 yards per game on the ground and a total of just 290 yards per game. Pittsburgh will continue to pressure opponents quarterbacks which could account for a long game for Anderson. They have already recorded 15 sacks and forced 7 turnovers this year.

Pittsburgh will be favored by 14 against the Browns according to BetUs Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 38. Cleveland will have a tough time on the road against Pittsburgh and must play flawlessly to escape with a win.

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