The 2006 NFL Rust Bowl

"Prime Time Style"

At Pittsburgh -7.5 Cleveland 36.5

Once upon a time, admittedly long ago, there was a time when the Cleveland Browns were actually relevant. But that was the team that left town some time ago. The team that played at "The Mistake By the Lake" had a long and glorious tradition. The expansion version of the team bears only the original name and colors. However, things are slowly improving as evidenced by their big comeback win at home on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Steelers are suffering through a hangover year (as was predicted in this space in Week 1) and there will be (barring a precipitous collapse of wild card contenders) no tournament play for Coach Cowher's gang come January. If they run the table, they could actually end the year win nine wins. Probable? No. Though it should be fun watching them try.


Pittsburgh-Cleveland is an ancient rivalry that goes back to the leather helmet days when the Browns were perennial contenders and the Steelers were perennial doormats. For the past thirty years or so, the opposite’s pretty much been true. But records mean nothing; these two teams just don’t like each other. This week, Cleveland’s starting QB is down and a virtual unknown is stepping into the breech on the road, in the Steel City, no less. The Steelers will be without Ward and Wilson at WR, so they will heavily rely on Parker. The weather forecast indicates snow showers and about 20º. Accordingly, I believe Pittsburgh will win, however not by 7 ½.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 20, Cleveland 16.