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Steelers and Browns rivalry kicks off NFL Week 12. Do the under-Dawgs have an upset shot? Our pick

Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 12 THURSDAY PICK

STEELERS (8-2) at BROWNS (2-8)

Line: PIT by 4.

Cote’s pick: PIT, 24-13.

TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.

King Sport’s Week 12 kickoff Thursday night could be a better game than the records suggest. NFC North rivals are a two-hour drive apart along I-80, and it’s been a pretty even series the last five years, with Pittsburgh losing its past two trips to Cleveland. Steelers might face a letdown after big win over Baltimore last week, while Browns looked like they’d quit in a rout-loss to New Orleans -- but the rivalry alone should draw the Steelers’ attention and the best from the under-Dawg Browns. Also hinting at a low-scoring, (somewhat) competitive game: Weather expected in the 40s, very windy and with a likelihood of rain. Conditions suggest a ground battle, with lots of Najee Harris and the Earthtones needing/begging a breakout game from Nick Chubb. Don’t overthink this one, though. Not for nothing is Pitt 4-1 on the road and CLE 1-4 at home. Lean heavily on Steelers’ really good defense to foment trouble in the pocket for sack-magnet Jameis Winston.

Betting line courtesy ESPNBet as of afternoon Wednesday.