Browns vs. Steelers: Predicting Score and Stats for Thursday Night Football

In anticipation of the Thursday night game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, let's run down some stat projections and predict a final score.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger

The Steelers haven't been throwing as much of late and Cleveland has the No. 1 passing defense, so expectations for a big night have to be tempered a touch. But a quick look at Roethlisberger's passing numbers against the Browns (537 yards, five touchdowns) last season give this matchup hope.

Projection: 19-of-29, 201 yards, 2 TDs 

Rashard Mendenhall

The idea of Mendenhall facing a defense that allowed more than 200 yards rushing to Ray Rice just four days prior is enticing. Mendenhall had three touchdowns last season against the Browns, so there's also a past history of success here. If he gets the carries, he'll do damage. 

Projection: 21 carries, 121 yards, 2 TDs

Mike Wallace

In terms of receptions, Wallace has cooled down over the past handful of weeks. He'll be facing a shutdown-type cornerback in Joe Haden tonight, too. However, there's still the touchdowns to think about in this matchup—Wallace has eight already this season.

Projection: 3 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD 

Antonio Brown

There's no more doubting who the No. 2 receiver in Pittsburgh is, as Brown has 50 catches for almost 800 yards this season. With the Browns focusing most of their attention to Wallace over the top, Brown will do the underneath damage.

Projection: 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD  

Cleveland Browns

Colt McCoy

McCoy doesn't have many offensive weapons to go to and is now dealing with a sprained knee. Might that hobble him against one of the NFL's better pass rushes? McCoy will likely struggle like he has throughout his short career against Pittsburgh.

Projection: 16-of-33, 198 yards, TD, 2 INTs

Peyton Hillis

Hillis has vowed to play despite a bad hip, and the Browns are going to need him to carry the load. The tough part for the Browns is that Hillis had just 54 yards against the Steelers in two games last season. Ouch. 

Projection: 13 carries, 49 yards

Greg Little

Little is McCoy's No. 1 option almost be default, as the Browns lack any true playmakers on the outside. The rookie has struggled with drops this season, but that can't happen tonight for the Browns to have a chance. 

Projection: 5 catches, 65 yards

Ben Watson

If there's a guy who could surprise tonight for the Browns, it might be Watson. In two games against the Steelers last season, Watson went for more than 150 yards with a touchdown. He'll be key tonight.

Projection: 6 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

Final score: Steelers 31, Browns 10

It's simply hard to see the Browns offense doing much of anything tonight against a good Steelers defense. The defense hasn't given up much through the air in recent weeks, and that's really the way you have to counter the Steelers' attacking style. On offense, the Steelers will ride Mendenhall. Four days of preparation aren't enough for the Browns' woes in run defense to disappear.