'MNF' Week 2: Browns-Steelers preview, props, prediction

The NFL's Week 2 "Monday Night Football" doubleheader concludes when Cleveland travels to take on its bitter AFC North rival in Pittsburgh.

The Browns opened this season with a stunning 24-3 home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, the Steelers struggled offensively during a 30-7 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

QUICK PICK

The Browns are consensus two-point favorites, despite the uncertain status of No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper, who aggravated a hamstring injury in practice on Saturday.

Sunday proved that overreactions from Week 1 were in full force around the NFL. The Steelers can't afford to drop their second consecutive home game to open the season, much less against a division rival.

They beat the Browns 28-14 at home to close out the 2022 season.

Prediction: Steelers 23, Browns 20

PROP PICK

The Over/Under opened at 42.5 points at BetMGM, but had shifted to 38.5 by early Monday afternoon. That's likely due in part to Cooper's status, and the Under has drawn 63 percent of the money.

There's enough offensive firepower on both sides - even if Cooper is out for Cleveland and Dionte Johnson for Pittsburgh -- to lean toward the Over.

PROP PICK II

The most popular player prop at DraftKings has been Steelers running back Najee Harris to have more than 13.5 rushing attempts at -120. He had only six carries in Pittsburgh's blowout loss, with Jaylen Warren getting the only other three carries.

Harris topped 13 carries in five of Pittsburgh's final six games and seven of the final nine last season. The Steelers will lean far more on the ground game in Week 2 in what should be a close battle with both teams fighting for field position, so we like the Over on Harris' workload.