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NFL picks and predictions, Browns vs. Steelers 2015: Pittsburgh has a big edge in AFC North matchup

Pittsburgh is desperately clinging to the AFC’s second wild card spot.

The big question entering Sunday's grudge match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns is: Who will be the quarterbacks?

Landry Jones will likely get the start for the Steelers after Ben Roethlisberger left Sunday's win against the Oakland Raiders with a foot injury. Though the Steelers originally said the injury would keep Roethlisberger out of the lineup for a couple of weeks, they haven't officially ruled him out for Sunday. Jones only completed 55 percent of his passes and threw two picks when he last started for the Steelers in their Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Browns' quarterback situation has a lot more controversy attached to it. Though many fans are clamoring for Johnny Manziel to start, head coach Mike Pettine continues to say he will stand behind Josh McCown if the veteran is healthy enough to play. McCown missed last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a rib injury.

McCown may not be the most exciting quarterback to watch, but he’s been very effective this season. He has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,897 yards to go along with 11 touchdown passes and only four interceptions. The Steelers’ pass defense is vulnerable, too, as it’s ranked seventh-worst in the league.

Cleveland's D isn't all that much better, however. The Browns have the 12th-worst pass defense in the NFL and have allowed the fourth-most overall yards per game as well. Even without Le'Veon Bell and Roethlisberger, the Steelers should still have plenty of weapons in the form of Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and DeAngelo Williams.

This is an important game for the 5-4 Steelers, who are trying to cling to the second wild card in the AFC, and most of the experts think they will win. Pittsburgh is the unanimous choice at ESPN while seven of CBS Sports’ eight panelists are picking the Steelers.

Five of our seven experts here at SB Nation think they will oust Cleveland.


Ryan Van Bibber Stephen White Joel Thorman David Fucillo Danny Kelly Matt Ufford OddsShark
CLE vs PIT PIT CLE PIT CLE PIT PIT PIT
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