The pros at FiveStarPick.com have been working overtime to disect and break-down this bust of a game tonight between the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6 SU, 4-8 against the spread) and the Cleveland Browns (1-11 SU, 6-6 against the spread.)  Las Vegas sportsbooks list the Steelers as 10-point road favorites with a total of 33.

Cleveland has been the laughing stock of the NFL this season, but for bettors they’ve cashed in their last three games including last week’s 30-23 loss to San Diego as a 13.5-point home dog. The Chargers were up 30-14 on a 22-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding with 4:16 remaining, but the Browns got the backdoor cover after an 8-yard TD pass from Brady Quinn to Jerome Harrison with two minutes to play.  The Browns got the ball back and tacked on a field goal to make it a one-possession game, but they would get no closer.

Quinn has looked solid as of late utilizing his two rookie recievers, Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massoquoi. Last week Quinn completed 25-of-45 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. As a matter of fact, over the last three weeks Quinn has seven TD passes and no interceptions. The aforementioned Robiskie had four receptions for 69 yards against the Bolts, while Massaquoi had five catches for 115 yards in a 38-37 loss at Detroit three weeks ago.

The Steelers, on the other hand, really looked like crap last week falling to Oakland 27-24 at home as 14.5 point favorites. Ben & Co. might be without WR Hines Ward, who is listed as “questionable” with a hamstring injury. Ward and Ben Roethlisberger have combined to win two Super Bowls, but their personal history together has been suspect. Ward recently questioned Roethlisberger’s toughness in a loss at Baltimore a few weeks ago when he was scratched due to lingering concussion symptoms.

Pittsburgh is one of four teams who are one game back of the Jags for the AFC’s last wild-card spot. They are in this pickle mostly because of their road struggles, compliling a 2-4 record both SU and against the spread when away from Heinz Field.

Tomlin’s team has been a nightmare as a double-digit ‘chalk’ in 2009, going 0-4 against the spread. A big reason is the abscense of Pro-Bowl Safety Troy Polamalu, who will miss his fourth straight game tonight. The defense has given up fourth-quarter leads in each of the last three losses.

In their last meeting, the Steelers took a 27-14 decision, but Cleveland backers took the money as a 14-point underdog.

The conditions will be a major factor tonight with the low temperature at 14 degrees with heavy wind and snow. Winds could be in the 25-35 mph range.

So who covers the spread in tonight’s Thursday Night Football matchup?  It’s very easy to find out.  Try FiveStarPick.com tonight for just ($19.99) and see if our talent for picking college and pro football winners exceeds your expectations.  We are the only sports handicapping service in the business who documents wins and losses and displays them on our homepage for all to witness.  It’s because we have nothing to hide…we just win games against the spread.  Join our family today and start your winning streak tonight.

Rick Riley – FiveStarPick.com