Browns-Steelers Odds On The Move After COVID-19 Outbreak Hits Cleveland

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, multiple coaches and two players have tested positive for the coronavirus, the team announced on Tuesday. Stefanski will miss coaching Cleveland’s first playoff game since 2002.

Per Adam Schefter, the Browns’ Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer now will serve as Cleveland’s acting Head Coach. Stefanski, who is a coach of the year candidate, will now have to call the game virtually.

The outbreak has also affected the betting odds, as the line has shot up to Steelers -6 at BetMGM. Other books are taking a more cautious approach and have pulled the game off their boards completely.

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“So we took the game off the board here as soon as the news came out,” said Thomas Gable, Sportsbook Director of The Borgata. “The line has been moving since opening towards Pittsburgh. It opened here at Pittsburgh -3 ½ and was up to -5 when the news came out. With Stefanski apparently out, and two more players and coaches, not to mention the other players still on the Browns Reserve/COVID List, we are taking a cautious approach here before putting a number back up.”

As for who will be out for the Browns, this is what we know so far. Players wise, it looks like Cleveland will be without LG Joel Bitonio and WR KhaDarel Hodge, per Tom Pelissero. Losing Pro Bowler Bitonio is a big loss for the Browns, as he anchors the offensive line and their impressive run game.

The coaching staff was especially hit hard, as the Browns will not only will be without their head coach and play caller in Stefanski, but also the OL coach (Callahan), OL assistant coach (Peters), WR coach (O’Shea) and TE coach (Petzing).

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PointsBet USA, who had pulled their line once the news hit, has re-opened Pittsburgh at -6.

"COVID continues to disrupt the NFL season into 2021," Andrew Mannino, PointsBet's Sr. Trading team member, said. "The Browns news moved the line a full 1.5 points, from 4.5 to 6."

Stefanski's loss will be felt both on the field and off of it, as the betting markets have reacted quickly.

"While perhaps not as damaging as losing a starting quarterback, losing a head coach is certainly not helpful," Mannino explained. "Coach Stefanski testing positive is expected to have a tangible impact on the game, and we've moved Pittsburgh to 6-point favorites as a result."

The Browns have also shut down their practice facility Tuesday for a fifth time in 10 days to conduct contact tracing.

Of course this happens to the Browns after their long playoff drought. This is a tough pill to swallow for their long-suffering fanbase. It will be interesting to see how bettors react to the news. The public will be on the Steelers for sure, but pro bettors could back Cleveland if the number gets to +7 or higher.