Behind the Steel Curtain
Game picks for Week 12
The Steelers will look to get to 9-2 by doing something they’ve never done before - win a road divisional game on Thursday night. Will they be able to defeat the lowly Browns? Here are our staff picks.
You would have to imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers have now done everything they can to prove they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Now, it is time to prove they can avoid the games where they play down to less-talented opponents and drop games they should not. The Cleveland Browns have struggled mightily all season despite an impressive win over Baltimore. Their offense has fallen apart with a new QB and WR core than the one that started this season. A multiple score loss to the New Orleans Saints last week leaves them looking for vengeance and the opportunity to play spoiler against the Steelers. It will be crucial for the Steelers to keep the pedal to metal and run through the Browns like they should. With the AFC North in their hands, and possibly the AFC up for grabs, each and every game is important. - Alex Hanczar
Steelers at Browns on Thursday Night Football. Sound familiar? It has happened twice in the past five seasons and the Steelers have lost both. What makes this game different? The Browns have lost what makes them a formidable opponent. The defense has taken a step down from its great performance in 2023, the offensive line is playing at a lesser level than it has in years, and the offensive firepower just has not been there this season. The Steelers are red-hot and have been successful on the road against teams they have had problems with in the past such as the Broncos and the Raiders. All signs point to the Steelers, but fans know this could be a letdown. Playing a Thursday Night Football game after playing the Ravens is a bad recipe, just look at the game in Minnesota in 2021 for reference. All that being said the Steelers appear to be on a mission this season and there are very few battles I see the Browns outdoing the Steelers in this game. Steelers start out slow but have a strong second half to win 24-16. - Austin Cave
This has all the makings of a classic “trap game” for the black and gold. Mike Tomlin has never won a road divisional Thursday night game (0-5). Couple that with the Steelers coming off a physical, hard-fought victory over the Ravens - the ingredients for disaster are palpable. This also feels like the Browns Super Bowl, because they have nothing else to play for. However.. this Steelers team has a different vibe compared to recent squads. Russell Wilson will be much better than he was against Baltimore, and I think Justin Fields will be utilized more frequently, especially in the red zone. Jameis Winston will make some great plays, but also a few boneheaded ones -...
