NFL Opening Week: Predicting All 16 Games As Pro Football Returns

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1 PM CBS

Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) makes a leaping catch in front of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Marcus Smith (90) during the second half of a game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up: This AFC North showdown is between teams that are looking to improve on what they felt were disappointing seasons. While Johnny Manziel is creating a lot of buzz in Cleveland, It is Brian Hoyer, a former Steeler that will get the start. The Steelers did not show much offensive spark during the preseason and are hoping someone will step up and take some of the pressure out of Antonio Brown’s hands.

Why Cleveland will win: I do believe that Cleveland has a solid defense. With Joe Haden [234 combined tackles, 193 tackles and 13 interceptions in four seasons] and first round draft pick Justin Gabriel as the team’s cornerbacks, it will be tougher than it’s been in recent memory to score on the Browns.

Why Pittsburgh will win: I have high expectations for rookies Ryan Shazier. It will be tough to get used to Dick LeBeau’s defense as a rookie, but I think he as well as Cameron Heyward will be important pieces of the Steelers defense. Many of the longer tenured Steelers believe that this is the fastest the defense has ever been in their time with the team. So much for Warren Sapp’s “old and slow” remarks about last year’s team.

Final score: Steelers 27 Browns 10