There is just no way the Cleveland Browns will be able to play with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Oh, wait. Neither could the Baltimore Ravens, and we all know how that turned out. To be frank, Pittsburgh blew it, and they now need help to get into the playoffs. However, it won't matter what happens around the league if the Steelers can't take care of the task at hand and defeat an inferior team, something they always struggle to do.
Establish a Running Game
DeAngelo Williams continued to perform last week as he produced at a high level like he seems to do every week. He has a great matchup this week against a very bad Browns' rush defense. The passing attack was pitiful last week, but Williams remained consistent with his level of play. If the pass game struggles again this week, look for Williams to have another huge game.
Fix the Passing Offense
If the blame for last week's loss should be put on anyone, it should fall on the shoulders of Ben Roethlisberger. Though he has had a fantastic season, Big Ben makes some bad decisions with the ball and he made plenty of them against the Ravens. This week, that just can't be the case. Cleveland's secondary won't be able to hang with Antonio Brown or Martavis Bryant. If things fall in place for the Steelers and they do find themselves in the playoffs, the passing attack will have to carry the team and they have to prepare for it now.
Contain Browns' Few Weapons
Cleveland does not have much talent at their disposal on the offensive side of the ball. Travis Benjamin is a very fast receiver, and he should draw a lot of attention from the Steelers' bad secondary. Gary Barnidge has had a heck of a season and is a beast of a tight end. The Steelers have struggled to cover opposing tight ends all season long, and the linebackers will need to focus a lot of their attention on Barnidge. With Austin Davis handling the Browns' quarterbacking duties, neither of these two should be a major concern. Still, Davis is a professional quarterback and he will be able connect with these two if they are left open.
Prediction
Steelers 35, Browns 10
The Browns' defense just won't be able to keep up with all of the Steelers' weapons. Roethlisberger will return to form and throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns; Brown will rack up at least 125 yards and be the recipient of two touchdowns. Barnidge will be the only bright spot for the Browns, while they lock up a top two draft pick. The Steelers may not get the help they need, but they should have no issues beating the Browns.