There’s a showdown in the AFC North to look forward to in the early hours of Tuesday morning (01.15, Sept 19th) as the Cleveland Browns travel to rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It has been 30 years since the Browns last started a season 2-0 and they will be looking to end that wait for a perfect start going into Week 3 at Acrisure Stadium
Team news
Pittsburgh will go into this one without Cameron Heyward after he suffered a groin injury in the 30-7 defeat on home turf against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Diontae Johnson has been listed as doubtful for this Week 2 clash due to a sore hamstring, while Anthony McFarland missed practice in the build-up to this game with a knee issue.
There are also doubts concerning Larry Ogunjobi (foot), Pat Freiermuth (chest) and Chukwuma Okorafor (concussion).
As for visitors Cleveland, wide receiver Amari Cooper hurt his leg in the Browns’ 24-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and is questionable for this next game.
A calf strain has meant Juan Thornhill missed practice this week, while Jedrick Wills has a foot issue and Maurice Hurst is dealing with a hamstring strain.
Shelby Harris is a doubt due to an issue in his Achilles, but Myles Garrett is likely to still feature despite a minor foot problem.
Cleveland Browns -2.5 handicap @ 20/23
The Browns were impressive in their demolition job on the Bengals in Cleveland in their opening outing and will be looking to improve their road record this coming week.
Road games have been an issue for this Browns side, but quarterback Deshaun Watson will be looking to rectify that in Week 2.
Pittsburgh had a disastrous start to the season in front of their home fans in that heavy defeat to the 49ers and have not had long to put things right ahead of Cleveland’s arrival.
Confidence is with the Browns going into this one and, with their running game, it looks like Cleveland can fall on the right side of the handicap to win in this one and secure that elusive 2-0 record.
Najee Harris anytime touchdown scorer @ 6/4
A formidable competitor in the ground game, running back Najee Harris will be looking for more game time after having just six carries against the 49ers.
It will have been a frustrating game for the 25-year-old, but he should have many more touchdown opportunities this week.
After recording seven touchdowns in the 2022 NFL regular season, look out for Harris opening his account against the Browns, even if it might be in a losing cause at Acrisure Stadium.
