NFL Sports Book Pick – Roethlisberger Returns vs. the Browns

After a 4-game suspension and a bye week, Big Ben Roethlisberger is headed back to the field to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1 SU/ATS) against the Cleveland Browns (1-4 SU / 2-3 ATS) in the biggest spread of Week 6. Let’s check out the 2-TD NFL sports book spread.

Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh

Sunday, October 17 at 1pm EST on CBS

NFL Odds: Cleveland (+14) at Pittsburgh (-14)
Total: 37

It’s not often you’ll see the biggest spread of the week (-14 for the Steelers) coincide with the lowest total of the week (37 points), but this is a bit of a funny game. The Steelers have come out and played amazing defense (#1 against the run, #20 against the pass) and spotty offense (#8 running, #32 passing).

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? If so JOIN NOW.]

Insert Ben Roethlisberger – a winning QB who’s tough to bring down and completely healthy. He’s been out of the game for a while, but this is a nice welcome-mat as they take on Cleveland at home.

The Cleveland season has gone pretty much as expected. In Week 6, they’ll be starting their 3rd string QB Colt McCoy, they have the 22nd ranked passing attack and the 20th ranked rushing attack and their biggest point output was 23 at home vs. the Bengals.

Look at those numbers and it’s pretty obvious Pittsburgh should win this game. The real question here, is can Cleveland hang on and cover the 14 points?

In the last 10 meetings, Cleveland has only won one game SU – but they have covered 4 of the last 5. In fact, the Browns are on a 9-3 ATS run over the past 12 games. This is due to terrible perceptions of the Browns – especially later on in seasons where they are all but counted out.

Look for the Steelers to ease Roethlisberger back into action against a defense that has allowed 223.2 passing yards/game. After getting up by at least 7 in the first half, Pittsburgh should be content to run the ball with R Mendenhall to eat the clock with long-sustaining drives.

I think the Browns’ special teams can keep them within 2 TDs. As with any Cleveland game, they’re one Josh Cribbs KR away from seven points and a cover.

Free Pick: I like the Steelers to win this one in a low scoring affair, by 10 points – but definitely not 14 or more. Take the Browns to cover in the AFC North.