STEELERS (-7) over Browns: What could possibly keep a team motivated that has for all intents and purposes been eliminated from the playoffs? First, is that this proud Steelers franchise has not had a losing season since 2003 and at 7-8, pride is on the line. Second, Pittsburgh has not lost at home to Cleveland since 2003, winning nine straight (and 18 of their last 20 meetings overall). The Browns have suffered six straight losses, and at 4-11, there is nothing to play for.
SAINTS (-12¹/₂) over Buccaneers: Saints have one of the best home edges in the NFL (15 straight home wins when both Drew Brees and Sean Payton are together). In that stretch, they’ve won by an average of 38-17 and racked up 475 ypg. The rebuilt Saints defense has been spectacular down the stretch allowing just 209 ypg at home their last three games. Expect another impressive performance against a Tampa Bay offense which has averaged just 207 yards per game its last five games.
LAST WEEK: 1-1; SEASON (NFL): 16-15-1