Sunday, September 7, 2014

Heinz Field in Pittsburgh

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

After a 1-3 record this preseason, the Cleveland Browns are still a team that leads many sports highlight shows. It isn't because of their good play or talent-rich roster, it is because of Johnny Football, Johnny Manziel. He won't start this game against their American Football Conference North division rival, but it can be expected that he will get a lot of attention anyway. This divisional game will be held at Heinz Field and will be a big test for both sides.

The Browns are coming off a season that saw them finish 4-12 and had 3 different quarterbacks get behind center during the season. Their best quarterback a year ago was their 2014 starter, Brian Hoyer. He was 3-0 a year ago, throwing for 615 yards with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. When the team drafted Manziel, many felt that his time as starter would be in the past, but he played exceptionally well in preseason to win the job. The team will be without Josh Gordon in this game and for the remainder of the season because of a season-long drug suspension. Without Gordon, the team will still have Jordan Cameron, Ben Tate, and Miles Austin on the offensive side of the ball to help pace their offense.

Last year, the Steelers suffered through a down year, going just 8-8. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an up and down campaign, but overall, finished with a solid statistical season with 4,261 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Roethlisberger will again return under center for the Steelers and has a solid two-headed rushing attack with second-year player Le'Veon Bell and veteran LeGarrette Blount. Both running backs were arrested for marijuana possession, but will lace up in this early season showdown with the upstart franchise from Ohio.

Injuries to Watch

Cleveland Browns

08/24/14 DT Desmond Bryant Wrist out indefinitely
08/13/14 DB Tashaun Gipson Knee out indefinitely
07/27/14 WR Josh Gordon Suspension out for season

Pittsburgh Steelers

08/24/14 LB Jason Worilds Knee questionable Sunday vs. Cleveland
08/15/14 LS Greg Warren Knee out indefinitely

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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