It seems that no Patriots game analysis can go without making it more about Brady’s record against the opposing QB. But hey, he’s earned that right. So when you look at this matchup, it is worth noting that Tom Brady has the upper hand in the rivalry with fellow QB Ben Roethlisberger, winning seven of nine matchups outright, including that AFC Championship game from last season. Brady and the Pats went 6-2-1 against the spread in the process. The two QBs meet again here in Week 15, with a lot at stake as the Pats battle the Steelers on Sunday at Heinz Field.
Betting Preview for the New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Week 15 Game on December 17 2017
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
When: Sunday, December 17, 4:25 PM EST
Line: New England Patriots (-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (+3) – view all 2017 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the New England Patriots (10-3)
New England lost to Miami on Monday Night Football. It was no fluke as the Dolphins beat them in every aspect of the game. It was definitely an off day for Tom Brady. He had multiple interceptions in a game for the first time all season. He also has three straight with a pick. Concern? The Pats got absolutely nothing done on the ground. 10 carried for 25 yards and 11 of that came on one play. There was no balance.
I am sure it didn’t help that they were without the services of Rob Gronkowski and he sat out due to a suspension. You can bet he will be hyped for this one. They are still struggling to get the ball to Brandin Cooks. He had just one catch against Miami. It was for 38 yards. They sometimes dink and dunk too much.
The Dolphins pretty much sliced through the Patriots defense with ease on Monday night. Running or passing they were able to get what they wanted and dominated in terms of time of possession. That type of performance does not bode well against a defense that has way better playmakers than Miami. The defense has given up yards but not many points this season.
In this one it will come down to whether they can make a few big plays to get off the field or turn the Steelers over. That has been a weakness and I am not liking the matchup for New England one bit here, especially on the road.
Betting on the Pittsburgh Steelers(11-2)
The Steelers narrowly extended their winning streak last week edging rival Baltimore by a point. All season long they have been putting up just enough to win even though it seems like they are capable of so much more. I supposed it is a good sign that they scored 39 points against Ravens defense that is statistically one of the better units in the league. It was pretty much all through the air though as the running game sputtered.
Ben Roethlisberger had a monster game with 506 yards passing. Ditto for Antonio Brown who hauled in 11 balls for over 200 yards receiving. Even though Le’veon Bell was bottled up on the ground he was a contributor with 9 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. The offense is in pretty good shape heading into this matchup.
On the flip side the Steelers have to be concerned about the fact that they gave up 39 points to a limited Ravens defense. They could not stop Alex Collins on the ground.
Joe Flacco did not have a monster day but he was able to make several big plays in the passing game – 5 different players have receptions of 20 yards or more.
Writer’s Prediction
I am still curious about this line and wonder if it will eventually get to a pick’em. The Steelers as a home dog is pretty rare. Neither defense is going to shut down the other in this one. Wondering if the weather will be a factor at all. If so I like the Steelers even more. Brady is Brady but I am not sure that New England is the better team. On the road they will not have enough to beat a Steelers team that will really want this one. Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.0)
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