Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season kicks off with a divisional showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
The 8-2 Steelers have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season, and are looking to extend their AFC North lead over the second place Baltimore Ravens, who they beat last week.
As for the Browns, they enter the matchup at 2-8, and have lost seven of their last eight games. Their one win in that stretch came against the Ravens, though, which ended up being quite helpful for the Steelers. The Browns will look to play spoiler again to a top AFC North team.
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Jameis Winston is at quarterback for the Browns, and he’s led Cleveland to a 1-2 record in his three starts this season. He’s completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,047 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
For the Steelers, Russell Wilson will look to keep his success going. In his four starts, the Steelers have gone 4-0, and he’s completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 942 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.
Will the Steelers extend their AFC North lead, or will the Browns get the huge upset to shake up the top of the division yet again? The staff at Newsweek Sports has their predictions.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to a defensive stop during the second half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field… PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to a defensive stop during the second half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Watt and the Steelers are taking on the Browns. More Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Noah Camras: The Steelers are road favorites over the Browns for obvious reasons, but this divisional matchup won’t be easy. The Steelers defense made life difficult for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this past Sunday, but on a short week, Jameis Winston and the Browns will be playing free looking for the upset. This game will be close, but in the end, it will be Cleveland getting the massive upset to keep things interesting in the AFC North.
Prediction: Browns 23, Steelers 20
Jeremy Hanna: The Steelers have proven that they aren’t just one of the best teams in the AFC, but one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL, period. Yes, the game will be played at Cleveland, and there are going to be a ton of weather issues. But if there’s one team that’s good at playing gritty, messy football, it’s the Steelers.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Browns 10
Matt Levine: The Steelers are coming off the high of taking down the Ravens in a highly contested game. Now they get the lowly Browns on the road in what is the perfect trap game for Pittsburgh. While the Steelers are the favorites, Cleveland does have the tools to pull off the upset here. I think they do and shock Pittsburgh to grab their third win of the year.
Prediction: Browns 24, Steelers 21
Valentina Martinez: The Steelers will continue their strong 2024 campaign with a win over the Browns. Russell Wilson and company will have a resurgence on offense to secure a close victory after scoring zero touchdowns a week ago.
Prediction: Steelers 21, Browns 18
Steelers vs Browns Expert Predictions for Thursday Night Football Week 12
