Browns: Steelers point spread doesn’t jump in light of Baker Mayfield news
The Cleveland Browns will head into their Week 8 matchup with Baker Mayfield under center at home when they kick off against the Steelers.
So, what’s Mayfield and his injured, but healthy enough to play shoulder worth to the point spread
Apparently, just a half point.
According to WynnBET, the Browns went from 3.5-point favorites on Wednesday, to 4.0 favorites following Kevin Stefanski’s pronouncement that Mayfield will start on Sunday.
Mayfield wasn’t the only name returning to the starting lineup, though, as is Jack Conklin is expected to start at right tackle. Nick Chubb was also a full participant in practice, meaning he could see an increased workload with Kareem Hunt out with a calf injury.
One could assume you’ll see more D’Ernest Johnson as well, especially after his performance last week. The Browns believe they’ll be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh, so heavy doses of Chubb and Johnson should be on the docket.
While the offense is getting better, it’s the defense now that has us worried. Both Jadeveon Clowney (ankle, groin, knee) and Takk McKinley did not practice on Friday. Both are listed as questionable heading into the contest.
The line has been the best part of the defense, hands down, at this point of the season. The Clowney signing has been brilliant, especially after the assumed No. 1 target of the offseason, J.J. Watt, went down with a season ending injury.
Cleveland Browns facing must-win game
This is as must-win of a game as you can have in Week 8, because if the Browns lose, I fear the worst. The schedule gets difficult, especially with two games against an improved Cincinnati team still on the radar.
The Browns blueprint to beat the Steelers is the same blueprint they use to beat everyone else. Run the ball and play action fake your way to a lead, then really run the ball to close the contest out.
It’s a great plan…hopefully the Browns won’t have to play from behind because those misdirection play-action calls don’t really work when the defense can just sit back with a two possession lead.
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Too negative. No, just really, really worried. That said, if the Browns are to live up to expectations this season, they’ve got to win–and should win this game.