Thursday Night Football Odds Week 11

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NFL Futures: Thursday Night Football Week 11

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns face off in a pivotal AFC North showdown on Thursday Night Football, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. 

This Week 12 matchup highlights the contrasting seasons of the two teams, with the Steelers leading the division at 8-2 and the Browns struggling at 2-8. It provides a glimpse into the broader implications for NFL Futures, particularly regarding divisional races and playoff positioning. 

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Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers enter this matchup at the top of the AFC North standings with an 8-2 record, riding a five-game winning streak. Their latest victory, an 18-16 win over the Ravens, showcased their defensive prowess and special teams efficiency. Pittsburgh managed six field goals while preventing Baltimore from taking advantage of a yardage deficit. Russell Wilson threw for 205 yards and one interception, while George Pickens hauled in eight receptions for 89 yards.

Offensively, Pittsburgh averages 23.3 points per game, generating 187.3 passing yards and 136.7 rushing yards per contest. Wilson has been steady, completing 60.3% of his passes for 942 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Najee Harris leads the rushing attack with 708 yards and three touchdowns, while Pickens has recorded at least 74 receiving yards in each of the Steelers’ last five games. 

The defense, one of the NFL’s best, allows just 16.2 points per game. Minkah Fitzpatrick anchors the secondary with 19 career interceptions, while linebackers Jaylen Warren and Mike Williams add depth to the rushing and receiving units.

Pittsburgh thrives in divisional matchups, winning eight of their last nine games against AFC North opponents. They’ve also covered the spread in five consecutive games and perform well as road favorites, especially against Cleveland.

Cleveland Browns 

The Browns have endured a difficult season, sitting at 2-8 after a 35-14 loss to the Saints. Cleveland tied the game in the third quarter but collapsed in the fourth, surrendering 21 unanswered points. Jameis Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns, while Jerry Jeudy contributed 142 yards and a score. Despite flashes of offensive potential, inconsistency has plagued the Browns all season.

Cleveland averages just 16.2 points per game, with 202.8 passing yards and 88.5 rushing yards per contest. Winston has been serviceable, completing 61.4% of his passes for 1,047 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. Jeudy leads the receiving corps with 560 yards and two scores, while Nick Chubb remains the focal point of the rushing attack, recording at least 90 total yards in nine of his last 10 November games at Huntington Bank Field.

Defensively, Cleveland allows 24.8 points per game, struggling to contain opponents’ passing and rushing attacks. Despite these struggles, cornerback Denzel Ward has been a standout, leading the league with 17 passes defensed this season. Tight end David Njoku has been a bright spot offensively, scoring in three consecutive home games as a moderate underdog.

Prediction

This divisional rivalry is set to feature an interesting clash of strengths and weaknesses. Pittsburgh’s efficient offense and stingy defense contrast sharply with Cleveland’s inconsistent play on both sides of the ball. However, the Browns’ ability to generate points at home and the Steelers’ balanced offensive attack could lead to more scoring than expected.

With Pittsburgh averaging 23.3 points per game and Cleveland allowing 24.8, both offenses should find opportunities to capitalize. The Steelers’ defensive unit, while solid, has allowed some close finishes in recent games, giving Cleveland a chance to put points on the board.

 Given the relatively low total, taking the over in this matchup presents a strong play. Expect both teams to exceed expectations in what could be a high-scoring divisional showdown.

Prediction: Over 36.5 (-110)