The last time the Pittsburgh Steelers were 10-point favorites this season was against the Cleveland Browns (double-digits understandable) but that didn’t work out too well. Sure they got the win, but the Steelers squeaked it out by a narrow three-points. But Pittsburgh has gone 5-2 against the spread since, and has been strong on the road, covering eight of its last 11 away games. However, the Steelers have gone just 1-5 against the spread in their last six games, when coming out of a bye week, which they just have. The 3-6 Colts may be able to keep this one closer than expected.
The Steelers are having a good season, it just isn’t working the way they thought they would. The offense is not what many expected. Ben Roethlisberger is not having a good season. It might be age catching up to him or just an off year but it is the truth. His rating hasn’t been this low in a decade.
I know this may not be a sportsbetting relevant note but I love the way that Pittsburgh is handling Martavis Bryant. Hopefully it will inspire players everywhere to focus on just playing. If you have the talent that stuff works its ways out. Le’Veon Bell is the engine for this group. He can take a beating but it might be wise the let the backup tote the rock a little bit…just to keep him fresh. Here is an interesting stat, the Steelers have yet to score 30 points in a game. Hardly an explosive offense but there is still time to grow those numbers, like this week.
While the offense has been below expectations the offense has exceeded them. They are second in the league in points allowed. They are putting up stingy numbers without that one superlative defender. That makes them hard to prepare for even though there might not be a lot of pro bowlers on this team. This number is already creeping up from the opener and Pittsburgh is off a bye. They should be very well prepare to beat Indianapolis.
Andrew Luck is not throwing on a cape and pushing this team forward down the stretch. Still they are not that far behind the leaders in the AFC South. Jacoby Brissett looks like he can play in this league. He is not better than luck but he is not the reason this team is losing more than its winning.
Ty Hilton is the lone gamebreaker that the Colts have on offense. Last week he was a terror so you can bet he will have the attention of the Steelers for this one. The offensive line needs an overhaul and the running game is suffering as a result. Frank Gore is not going to make mistakes but his best days are behind him.
I think it would be safe to say that the defense could use an overhaul too given that they are last in the league in points allowed. And that is after allowing only 14 points last week to a shorthanded Houston team. Rookie safety Malik Hooker looks like a player to build around but other than him the defense does not have a lot of promising players.
Writer’s Prediction:
Even if they did not have the extra time to prepare the Steelers would be an easy call this weekend. Look for them to win easily. I am guessing this game will be in a lot of teasers at the current number and they may force some additional movement. Still, barring something unforeseen during the week Pittsburgh is the call. Pick: Steelers (-10)
