Steelers Vs. Colts Odds At WV Sportsbooks For NFL Week 16

There are two distinct interpretations of the Pittsburgh Steelers line for online sportsbook bettors from West Virginia.

There are two main points to highlight here: the gambling aspect and the Week 16 game against the Indianapolis Colts. As the midweek approached, the Steelers, initially favored at -2.5, saw their odds drop to +2. This shift in betting patterns indicated a lack of faith in the team that had previously boasted an impressive 11-0 record. However, there was a resurgence of support for the Steelers as some money was placed back on them.

The second perspective regarding the line focuses on the offensive side. Will the Steelers’ line be able to shield quarterback Ben Roethlisberger effectively and regain credibility for a running game that has vanished?

Unbelievably, the wheels have come off for this team. Despite having a 14-0 lead against the Washington Football Team late in the first half of Week 12, the Steelers have been outscored by a whopping 76-35. This kind of performance is simply unimaginable for a team with 11 wins.

We will now analyze a few causes and consider potential solutions.

The running game is no longer a factor

Throughout the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for their exceptional teams, particularly those that have triumphed in the Super Bowl. One consistent aspect of these successful teams has been the presence of a formidable running back. From the legendary Franco Harris, to the powerful “Bus” Jerome Bettis, to the versatile Le’Veon Bell, who impressively racked up nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards just three years ago, the Steelers have always had a standout player in their backfield. Additionally, there have been glimpses of brilliance from Willie Parker and James Conner, the latter of whom is currently experiencing a decline in his performance as a star in the Pittsburgh backfield.

The running game had an impressive start to the season as Benny Snell recorded over 100 rushing yards in Week 1. In the following weeks, Conner stepped up and surpassed 100 yards in Weeks 2, 3, and 6. This outstanding performance placed the Steelers among other top-tier running teams such as the Cleveland Browns with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the Minnesota Vikings with Dalvin Cook, and the Tennessee Titans with the dominant Derrick Henry.

In addition to the yardage gained, the number of carries was just as significant. In order to alleviate the pressure on Roethlisberger, Conner and Snell were expected to have approximately 15 to 20 carries per game. However, for the past 10 weeks, the Steelers have not been able to produce a rusher who reaches 100 yards, making it evident to opposing defenses that Roethlisberger will have to rely on passing.

Anthony McFarland led the rushing game with a total of 15 yards in the defeat against Washington.

Conner’s performance in the 26-15 loss to the Buffalo Bills was underwhelming, as he only managed to gain 18 yards on 10 carries. Although Snell had a slightly better showing against the Bengals, with a total of 84 yards, the Steelers have yet to see a player reach 100 rushing yards since Week 6.

Big Ben

With defenses neglecting the run, Roethlisberger is currently averaging approximately 40 pass attempts per game. This situation wouldn’t be too concerning if Big Ben possessed the ability to scramble and prolong plays, allowing his receivers to adapt and make impromptu moves.

Due to his age, 38, and the limited time to release the ball, he has been unable to roll or step up in the pocket.

Concentration

The issue began with the Pittsburgh receivers experiencing drops, which can be traced back to Week 11 when they managed to defeat the heavily affected Baltimore Ravens due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, the problem of dropped balls has persisted, and the receivers seem to have lost their synchronization with Roethlisberger compared to earlier in the season.

The Steelers struggled with focus, committing three turnovers in the first half of their 27-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. Roethlisberger’s interception in the first half directly led to a Bengals touchdown, putting them ahead 17-0. Whether it was a poor pass or a recurring issue, the Steelers appeared disoriented and lacking direction.

Too much air

Roethlisberger’s throws are slightly too high, and the split second timing determines whether it results in completions or balls that are swatted away.

What has worked well?

This is what’s currently effective for the Steelers:

Flooding the left side with multiple receivers

The Steelers were brought back into the game against Cincinnati thanks to this impressive play. With three receivers positioned on the left, Roethlisberger swiftly threw a pass to the fast Chase Claypool. Thanks to a well-executed block, Claypool sprinted down the sideline, just falling short of a touchdown and settling for an impressive 37-yard gain.

During the subsequent play, Roethlisberger unleashed his most impressive throw of the evening, resulting in a touchdown for Diontae Johnson.

Johnson is the go-to receiver for prop players due to his exceptional ball retention skills. Roethlisberger consistently looks to him, especially when it comes to scoring in the red zone.

The defense remains stout

The Bengals were able to gain a significant advantage with a short field and capitalize on all 17 of their first-half points, courtesy of three turnovers faced by the team. This group takes great pride in their performance, as they have consistently shown their dominance throughout the season by leading the league in sacks and pressures.

One aspect of this dynamic involves capitalizing on having a lead and putting pressure on quarterbacks who are compelled to throw the ball. Unfortunately, this scenario has been absent in recent times. The Steelers have not held a lead in any game since the second quarter of their matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14.

However, the Steelers demonstrated their mental resilience against the Bengals by executing a superb open-field tackle, preventing them from running out the clock in the final minutes and forcing a punt instead.

Tomlin is a special coach

Few can claim what he does, a successful NFL career spanning 14 years without a single losing season.

The nearest occurrence was in the previous year, when the Steelers achieved an 8-8 record due to Roethlisberger’s extended absence from the field due to injury.

Instead of being delighted with their 11-3 record, Steelers fans are now filled with concern, contrary to their initial expectations for the season.

Short-term strategies

Now, let’s explore the options available for the Steelers.

• Utilize the blazing speed of receivers in an alternative manner by implementing carefully crafted end-arounds, strategically outmaneuvering defenses that are prepared to blitz Roethlisberger.
• To start the game, it is crucial for the Steelers to attempt some long passes. It is important for the opposing defenses to be aware that the Steelers are willing to take shots downfield. Despite Roethlisberger’s recent difficulties, it is necessary to demonstrate this strategy in order to prevent linebackers from anticipating short passes and intercepting them. Even if the deep passes are not successful, there is a possibility of drawing a pass-interference penalty, which would help to open up the defense. Currently, opponents have become too familiar with the Pittsburgh passing game, almost as if they could have created it themselves.
• Realign your concentration. The turnovers were a result of errors in judgment. Tomlin has the ability to address this issue, but it may require him to express his frustration forcefully.

The Immediate Future

The Steelers should start selecting quarterbacks, regardless of their season’s outcome.

Roethlisberger, an extraordinary talent, achieved the milestone of 60,000 passing yards on Monday night while also guiding the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories. However, if we examine the league’s most prominent quarterbacks, such as Josh Allen from the Buffalo Bills, Patrick Mahomes from the Kansas City Chiefs, and Lamar Jackson from the Ravens, we notice a shared ability amongst them. These quarterbacks possess the agility to swiftly evade danger and secure crucial first downs on third-down plays by utilizing their running abilities.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, led by Kyler Murray, and the Philadelphia Eagles, helmed by Jalen Hurts, possess quarterbacks who possess the ability to make impactful plays utilizing their agility.

Pittsburgh must head in this direction.