The Steelers have owned the Browns lately as they are 19-3 against them since they returned to the league in 1999.  But, the Steelers are playing bad enough that the Browns will likely give them a challenge tonight.  After all, they did make Bruce Gradkowski look great last week and Brady Quinn is a better QB than he is.  With Hines Ward iffy for tonight’s game and the weather expected to be nasty look for the Steelers to come out running tonight.  Rashard Mendenhall should have a outstanding game tonight against the Browns who are allowing 154.2 yards rushing per game and 4.5 yards per carry.  If he gets tired then Willie Parker should get in on the action.  In the passing game look for the Steelers to keep it short with TE Heath Miller getting most of the action.

The Steelers must stop the Browns’ running game and that shouldn’t be too hard as the Browns are averaging 98.9 yards rushing and 3.7 yards per carry so far this season.  If the Steelers stop the running game it will put the Browns in long passing downs which will benefit the CBs and safeties.  The Steelers will be blitzing all night long to see if Brady Quinn can handle the heat or not.  The Steelers also have to kick the ball away from Josh Cribbs or this game will be a lot closer than most experts think it will be.

PREDICTION:  STEELERS 17, BROWNS 14