NFL odds - Patriots holding onto playoff hopes against Steelers
Online sports betting - Steelers vs Patriots
- WHO: Pittsburgh Steelers (+1.5) at New England Patriots (-1.5)
- WHAT: NFL football betting
- WHEN: Sunday, November 30 at 4:15 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA
- KEY STATS: New England is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games when playing Pittsburgh
- PICK: Patriots
Steelers vs Patriots betting is once again a battle between two of the elite teams in the AFC, just as it has been for the past five seasons. However, this season the roles have been reversed. In 2007, with Tom Brady at the helm, the New England Patriots were the cream of the NFL crop and the Pittsburgh Steelers were out to prove themselves against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Now, the Brady-less Pats must face the test of a steady Steelers squad that sits firmly atop the AFC North division, and hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. NFL football odds have been stacked against the Patriots ever since Brady went down in Week 1, including last week against Miami, going into the contest as a one-point underdog on NFL football spreads.
However, after two consecutive 400-yard performances, his replacement Matt Cassel is finally earning the respect of NFL football betting sharps. Much like the incumbent, Cassel has developed an uncanny chemistry with receiver Randy Moss, who exploded for three touchdowns and 125 yards last Sunday. Diminutive wideout Wes Welker wasn’t too shabby either, collecting 120 yards on eight receptions in the 48-28 drubbing of the Dolphins last Sunday.
However, as those evaluating the Steelers vs Patriots line know—unlike the Dolphins last week, Pittsburgh will play some defense on Sunday. The tough Steelers “D,” led by Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, has allowed only 21 points combined in its last two outings.
The Steelers have made the best out of an injury situation, as Mewelde Moore has emerged as a serious threat since Willie Parker went on the shelf. Now that Parker has returned, the Steelers have two capable backs that can take control of the game clock.
The Steelers vs Patriots spread favors the home team by 1.5 points, as the Pats throttled the Steelers last season, 34-14. Despite the offensive outburst last week, it’s unlikely New England will be able to post 30-plus points this week against an improved Pittsburgh secondary.
Even without Brady, the Patriots have their fair share of weapons—including the greatest mind in football, head coach Bill Belichik—to prevail on Sunday.
STAN’S PICK: This game, in many ways, is a duel between two polar opposites: A stellar defense and a mediocre offense against an outstanding offense and a mediocre defense. The latter, of course, is New England, which will have the tiebreaker advantage of its home field on Sunday.
With Randy Moss in full stride and in Pro Bowl form once again, he alone could be the deciding factor in this game. When making your online sportsbook pick, bet on New England.
For more analysis on NFL betting and Steelers vs Patriots odds, check betonline.com’s Betting Edge regularly as our experts break down the weekly football action.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? .
