As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, the numbers displayed on their report card come as somewhat of a surprise. DraftKings shows them at +1.5, while FanDuel gives them a +2 advantage.
Are the Steelers considered underdogs?
The outcomes on Monday, with Pittsburgh’s first loss of the season to the Washington Football Team by a score of 23-17 and Buffalo’s dominant performance against the San Francisco 49ers with a 34-24 victory, have positioned the Bills as slight favorites for this upcoming game.
With a record of 9-3, the Bills stand as the top contenders in the AFC East, showcasing their strength as a formidable team.
The line of 46.5 is attracting alternate-line bettors at West Virginia online sportsbooks, as the matchup between Pittsburgh’s strong defense and Buffalo’s explosive offense makes it an intriguing choice for both sides. While Bills Stadium has an average of 53 points per game, there isn’t a clear advantage in that particular line. However, the early forecast for Sunday indicates rain and winds of about 15 mph, which could potentially impact the passing games.
Bettors who prefer the under can opt for an alternate line, lowering it to the low 50s. On the other hand, those who favor the over can bring it down to the low 40s. To improve their odds, these bets may need to be combined with others.
Steelers Playoffs Outlook
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin welcomed the lack of pressure to replicate the perfect regular seasons achieved by the 1972 Miami Dolphins and the 2007 New England Patriots. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming challenge, overcoming obstacles, and progressing further in their journey.
Having quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back on the team after last season’s disappointing 8-8 record was a significant boost just two months ago. However, the team’s goals have now elevated to aspiring for the Super Bowl.
Tomlin sees the Steelers’ final four games as a crucial end-of-season mission, rather than just a single game. Their upcoming stretch consists of battles against the Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals, all of whom are strong contenders for the playoffs.
The playoffs have indeed expanded, granting a first-round bye solely to the top seed in each conference. When it comes to the upcoming battle against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Pittsburgh team will carefully consider the worth of the bye versus the well-being of its players.
Playoff Byes and Wild Cards
Assuming no delays, this is how the playoff picture appears.
In the AFC and NFC, the team holding the No. 1 seed receives a bye, whereas the team holding the No. 2 seed competes against the No. 7 seed. The No. 3 seed plays against the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed goes up against the No. 5 seed in the wild card round. The division winners, who hold the top four seeds, secure hosting rights, while the wild card spots are taken by the three teams with the next-best records. As a result, the first playoff round consists of six games instead of four, which is exciting news for bettors and the sportsbooks.
Steelers Weak Points to Watch
Here is an evaluation of Pittsburgh’s current position:
In recent games against the Baltimore Ravens and Washington, the defense has proven to be strong overall. However, there has been a slight vulnerability in the fourth quarter, where the defense has shown some leakage. Opposing quarterbacks have been successful in exploiting openings specifically in the right flat.
The receivers have been consistently dropping numerous passes, despite them being accurately thrown. This issue seems to be more related to a lack of focus rather than a structural problem, and it can be resolved with ease. Pittsburgh’s offensive strategy heavily depends on short passes, often treating them as equivalent to a first-down run.
The NFL’s receiving corps is unparalleled in depth, boasting exceptional talents such as Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Eric Ebron, all of whom have had remarkable seasons. Additionally, it seems that they may soon face a new challenge. Keep an eye out for opposing defenses attempting to eliminate the short crossing routes, effectively challenging Roethlisberger to unleash deep throws. This strategy is precisely why Claypool consistently remains a promising option for “anytime scorer” in betting propositions.
Roethlisberger should consider resting. In Week 9, he endured a brutal hit from the Dallas Cowboys, forcing him to leave the field. Despite his quick releases, Roethlisberger has been battling injuries for over a month. It is crucial to acknowledge that the Steelers’ success in the playoffs heavily relies on him. Although Roethlisberger is determined to play, Coach Tomlin may choose to limit his involvement if upcoming games hold little significance.
There is a lack of a running game, which may pose as a problem. Although you enjoyed betting on FanDuel’s in-game prop of taking the over 44 for Roethlisberger’s pass attempts on Monday (which he exceeded with 53), the absence of a running game is concerning. It is likely that the Steelers will strive to establish a running game in order to protect Roethlisberger and keep opponents on their toes.
It is quite unusual to witness the Steelers failing to score points from first-and-goal at their opponent’s 1-yard line, as was the case on Monday. Similarly, it is not often that a fourth down from field-goal range in a tied game prompts a risky decision in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Tomlin’s gamble did not pay off, resulting in a missed conversion and ultimately leading to Washington’s game-winning drive. What often goes unnoticed in these scenarios is the boost of confidence it provides to the opposing teams once an opportunity has been denied.
Pittsburgh, formerly boasting an impressive record of 78-1-1 at Heinz Field, witnessed their commanding 14-0 lead crumble into a disappointing 23-17 defeat on Monday.
Steelers Strengths to Watch
Having said all of that, here is what Tomlin has on hand:
Despite facing tough opponents like the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers remain a formidable team, known for their strong tackling skills. Their defense consistently puts pressure on their opponents, leading them to make costly mistakes. Notably, the Steelers managed to score defensive touchdowns in both of their victories against the Ravens, ultimately proving to be game-changers.
Roethlisberger’s decision-making has significantly improved, allowing him to release the ball quicker than ever before. His offensive line has done an exceptional job in shielding him, resulting in minimal sack occurrences.
Before the postseason begins, Pittsburgh is fortunate to have the opportunity to witness the capabilities of running back James Conner, both as a runner and receiver. Including either aspect will enhance the effectiveness of this offense.
There is hardly anything wrong with 11-1.
Conner and Boswell are expected to make a comeback for the game, according to the hopeful Steelers. Known as one of the top kickers in the league, Boswell boasts an impressive record this season, going 18 for 19. Notably, he successfully kicked a 59-yarder in Dallas and a 53-yard bomb at Heinz Field, a challenging venue due to its unpredictable wind patterns.
Related Articles
