3 Bold Predictions for Steelers vs Browns Week 11 Matchup
By Andy Loughmiller
Although the Baltimore Ravens are currently rolling, the AFC North is still within reach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are set to play the Cleveland Browns in a divisional matchup in Week 11 of the NFL regular season. This game will help determine which team poses the most credible threat to the Ravens' chances of winning the North; with that in mind, here are three predictions for this contest between bitter division rivals.
3. Browns Rush For Over 200 Yards
The Steelers may be improving defensively overall, but they are still a middle-of-the-pack unit against the run. Now that Kareem Hunt has returned from suspension to join Nick Chubb in the backfield, the Browns have two dynamic running backs who can do a lot of damage in a moment's notice. Hunt was productive with his 11 touches in Week 10, and could be positioned for an increased role now that he's had a game to settle in. Expect Cleveland to do it big on the ground.
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick Scores a Defensive TD for a 3rd Straight Game
Minkah Fitzpatrick has been sensational since being traded to Pittsburgh from Miami. The ball-hawking safety has found his way into the end zone in both of the Steelers' previous two games via a pick six and a scoop and score. Baker Mayfield currently boasts a just nine touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions this season, so there is a good chance that Fitzpatrick comes up huge yet again.
1. Mason Rudolph Finally Eclipses 300 Passing Yards in a Game
The second-year quarterback out of Oklahoma State hasn't been asked to do much this season, and has mostly operated as a game manager for Pittsburgh. The Steelers haven't been a great running team in recent weeks, and although James Conner is expected to return from injury, he might still be banged up. Whether the yardage comes in a victory or garbage time of a loss, Pittsburgh should finally cut Mason Rudolph loose and let him sling it around the field.