Browns
vs.
Steelers
Week 1
NFL Free Pick
9/7/14
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Cleveland Browns Sunday in week 1 NFL action as both teams look to improve off disappointing seasons. The Steelers are -6.5 point home favorites at 5dimes.com and GtBets, up from an opener of -5 with a total of 41.5.
The Steelers disappointing season last year was the result of a lousy start. They dug a hole for themselves early on that they were simply unable to get out of. They started the year 0-4 and were 2-6 at the half way point. But they didn’t go down without a fight, going on a 6-2 run the 2nd half of the season capped off with a 20-7 win over these Cleveland Browns.
The Browns continued their losing ways in 2013 going 4-12. Fairly predictable as the Browns have been either 4-12 or 5-11 every year since 2007 which was their last winning season. Their last winning season prior to that was 2002 and prior to that was 1994! Three winning seasons in 20 years. OUch!
For the Browns, let the chaos begin! I say that because I think Johnny Manziel is going to be nothing but a distraction until the Browns hand him the ball as their starting QB, a role he looks like he won’t be ready for, for some time. All of this talk about putting in a “Manziel Package”, a la Tim Tebow, would likely be a huge mistake. Every over thrown receiver by Hoyer, every interception, every three and out and you’ll here the Cleveland faithful call out for Johnny Football.
To win in the NFL, it all starts with the QB. A successful orGAnization has to have a leader on the field in their starting QB. The Steelers have theirs and he’s one of the best to play the Game in recent years. Until the Browns find theirs, the mediocrity will continue and until the Browns find theirs, we’re siding with the Steelers. Steelers -6.5