Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Same Game Parlay Picks and Predictions

Michael Crosson Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

NFL betting expert Michael Crosson gives his same game parlay selection for Thursday night's primetime matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. Odds provided by DraftKings.

Steelers vs. Browns SGP Picks

• Steelers Under 17.5 Points Scored (-150)
• Kareem Hunt (CLE) Over 2.5 Receptions (+115)
• Pat Freiermuth (PIT) Over 3.5 Receptions (-160)

Payout: +482

The Steelers posted a tough road victory over Cincinnati in Week 1, however, they weren’t quite as fortunate against Bill Belichick’s squad this past Sunday, as Mitch Trubisky and co. scored just 14 PTS on 243 total yards and turned the ball over twice in an ugly home loss to the Patriots (L, 17-14).

The Browns, on the other hand, played host to the Jets in Week 2, and let an ugly one slip away, as Cleveland took a commanding 30-17 lead with 1:55 left in the fourth quarter, but a busted defensive coverage and onside kick recovery led to a stunning come-from-behind victory for the Joe Flacco and co.

I’ll back Pittsburgh to stay under 17.5 PTS here, as the Browns’ defense surrendered 27.5 PPG to the Panthers and Jets across their first two matchups of the season, however, this is a Cleveland squad that held its opponents to 20 PTS or less in nine contests last season, and I expect them to put forth a much better performance against a Steelers offense that averaged 18.5 PPG on 255 YPG across their first two matchups with Trubisky under center.

Browns’ RB Nick Chubb has been the main headliner in Cleveland’s backfield to start the year, and rightfully so, as he’s rushed 39 times for 228 yards and 3 TD’s across the first two weeks of the season, which ranks second in rushing yardage behind Saquon Barkley of the Giants.

However, the passing downs are typically left to Kareem Hunt, and he’s taken full advantage of his opportunities thus far, as he’s reeled in six-of-six targets for 40 receiving yards across the Browns’ first two matchups of the season. Hunt’s receiving numbers don’t exactly jump off the stat sheet, but he still ranks second in receptions amongst the Browns’ pass-catchers through Week 2, which only trails Amari Cooper in Cleveland’s pecking order (12 REC); and Brissett will probably lean on Hunt more-and-more as he continues to settle into his fourth different offensive scheme in the last seven years.

The Steelers’ passing attack is off to a pretty underwhelming start following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, considering Trubisky has completed just 59% of his passes for 181 YPG and a 2-1 TD-INT ratio through the first two weeks of the season. However, there’s still been some semi-bright spots within Pittsburgh’s passing game, as WR Diontae Johnson leads the team in receiving with 13 REC for 112 YDS, and TE Pat Freiermuth trails closely behind with 9 REC for 97 YDS, before dropping off to the ranks of Chase Claypool (8 REC, 44 YDS), Najee Harris (7 REC, 43 YDS), and Zach Gentry (2 REC, 40 YDS).

I’ll back Freiermuth to tally 4+ receptions here, as he’s adequately served as Trubisky’s much-needed safety blanket through the first two weeks of the season, highlighted by his 24.3% target share thus far, and he’ll probably continue doing so against a tough Browns’ defensive unit on Thursday night.

Where to place a bet this NFL Season?

• Use our exclusive BetMGM Bonus Code VIBONUS1500 to unlock BetMGM’s welcome offer for new sportsbook users!
• Compare the latest NFL Odds from the best sportsbooks before placing a bet on this week's games.
• Check out the North Carolina Sportsbooks just before they launch legal online sports betting.

Michael Crosson

Michael Crosson began his time at VegasInsider as a freelance NBA writer back in 2019 while he continued to study Psychology and Biology at James Madison University. Following his graduation in 2021, Michael joined the team full-time, and he's been with VI ever since. Michael still writes NBA, NFL, and MLB for VI, as well as gambling industry news. He's also become a crucial part of our editorial production team. More from Michael Crosson