Browns vs. Steelers: 4 Predictions for Thursday Night's AFC North Battle

Although the Pittsburgh Steelers significantly overmatch the Cleveland Browns on paper, there are reasons why the game is played.

This week, Cleveland may be playing at Pittsburgh, but once again with nothing to lose, expect the Browns to bring everything they've got to exploit the Steelers.

That said, a loss could put a damper on Pittsburgh's season and also give Browns fans something to cheer about. So, here are four predictions for the Week 14 Thursday night game in The Steel City.

Big Ben Gets Sacked Five Times

On the year, Pittsburgh's allowed Ben Roethlisberger to get sacked a total of 35 times which is just under three per game.

Cleveland, on the other hand, may only have 23 sacks on the year but 9.5 have come from their two starting rookie defensive linemen (Jabaal Sheard, Phil Taylor). That's not too shabby coming from two rookies who weren't scouted so highly in the 2011 NFL draft.

And with Pittsburgh's offensive line still a weakness on the team, expect the Browns to blitz on a consistent basis. It's a must for them to do so because knocking Roethlisberger around helps out the pass defense.

Now, the Steelers will still move the ball well, but Cleveland will make their pressure aware despite not having much of a rush defense. Which segues nicely to the next prediction...

Rashard Mendenhall Goes over 100 Rush Yards

Only once this season has Rashard Mendenhall gained over 100 rush yards (146 vs. Jacksonville), so it's for certain that Pittsburgh has not only run the ball less, but has somewhat struggled on the ground anyway.

However, Cleveland has the No. 31-ranked rush defense and allows over 150 rushing yards per game (only the Rams are worse).

And although Roethlisberger will be under duress when dropping back, a solid pass rush doesn't always correlate with a dominant rush defense. Mendenhall will see a lot of carries tonight as his production is needed to set up the passing game.

Plus, the longer Pittsburgh can keep the Browns defense on the field the better, because that is Cleveland's strength and the Steelers must wear them down. In turn, that will force the Browns offense to move the ball, which has been a major weakness of coach Pat Shurmur's offense.

That said, what happens when you don't move the ball? Punting, which is the next prediction...

Cleveland Attempts Seven Punts

Through 12 games the Browns have averaged over five punts per game and that number would be higher, but turnovers have also been an issue.

As for the Steelers defense, they've forced an average of just over five punts per game, so why seven for Cleveland? Because other than Baltimore and Houston, the Browns haven't faced insanely great defenses on a week-to-week basis.

Count in their turnovers and it's not surprising they haven't punted more. Well, they will punt a lot in this game but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Football is a field-position game and Browns punter Brad Maynard has averaged over 41 yards per punt.

If the Browns want any shot at winning, not turning the ball over and punting is needed. We can't expect them to score a lot so punting the rock is the next-best option. Better to give their defense a chance than to keep them backed up.

Steelers Win, but It's Closer Than Expected

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (pictured) has that "We-won-but-I'm-still-pissed" look on his face because the Browns will give Pittsburgh a good game.

For Pittsburgh to really take control they must run the ball and take time off. Now, that's not going to rack up a ton of points but it'll get them the W. We have to also expect that Cleveland will maximize on their strengths as much as possible.

It's their best odds at winning, so anticipate them stacking the box to stop the run and blitz Big Ben all game long. Cleveland needs their pass defense to really step up this time and lock it down because that is also Pittsburgh's strength.

Offensively, the Browns must run the ball and simply hope for the best. Turnovers cannot happen, otherwise this game will be over before the first quarter. As long as Cleveland restricts Pittsburgh's offensive possessions and keeps the field-position battle even, it won't be a massacre.

All that being said, Pittsburgh gets the victory thanks to a suffocating defense and an offense that doesn't turn the ball over while methodically moving the chains.

Steelers 21, Browns 7

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27