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The second most bet on NFL game of the week so far, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns betting odds were set at Steelers -6 to -6 ½ across the board despite the Browns actually being slight favorites at some online sports books to win the AFC North division in 2008. That could still happen but the reality is: Cleveland looked abysmal last week against the Dallas Cowboys while the Pittsburgh Steelers manhandled the Houston Texans.
First off, this line opened at -6 so the move is up and we have seen one or two books with Pittsburgh at -7 already.
Second, more than 95 percent of bets were going the Steelers way. This is quite telling as the reaction from odds makers hasn't been to move this line up to say -8 or -9. Then again, having a team that is supposed to be good like the Browns as a touchdown plus underdog on their own field probably won't go over too well with gamblers who will likely be looking for that middling opportunity (eg. line falls in the number 7).
And third, we have the Steelers only able to win by 4 to 4 ½ points. Thus, the line is already terribly shaded towards Pittsburgh.
There's a reason why. The Steelers have won their last nine games against the Browns. Seven over those last nine were by blowouts though Cleveland lost by a mere three points on the road in their last game against the Steelers last November.
Pittsburgh lost four of their last five games to finish the 2007 regular NFL season. Cleveland won three of their last five of the 2007 regular NFL season but also lost every game of the pre-season and this past week to Dallas after tremendous hype surrounding this team.
The ninth-year veteran, Jamal Lewis, can help the Browns sustain long drives that will keep Big Ben & Co. on the sidelines. Lewis had two big runs against the Cowboys but was stymied the rest of the game. In 14 career games at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Lewis has averaged 110.7 rushing yards per game.
Cleveland Quarterback Derek Anderson is 7-2 as starter at home.
You can bet this game at BetOnline.com Here
