Packers vs Steelers betting odds – Steelers to end skid against Packers
NFL Odds: Pick Steelers -1 |
The Packers vs Steelers betting odds pits two teams that have been heading in opposite directions over their last five games. Online betting cappers have seen the Packers emerge as a legitimate NFC playoff team with five straight wins while the Steelers, who are mired in a five-game losing streak, have faded in the AFC. Although the Steelers will again be without safety Troy Polamalu, they’ll find a win to edge out the Packers at home.
Sportsbook Odds: Steelers -1, O/U: 41
What’s On The Line?
The Steelers (6-7) are behind the eight ball since there are already four teams ahead of them vying for one AFC Wild Card spot but the good news is that the leader is at 7-6. A win gets Pittsburgh right back in the mix. They have had trouble winning without Polamalu in the lineup but with 10 days to prepare for this game, they should have a good game plan.
For Green Bay (9-4), they have won five straight and have looked very good in the process. They won’t catch Minnesota for the division lead but a win would help keep them from potentially falling to the No. 6 spot in the NFC Wild Card race.
Offensive Matchups: Packers vs Steelers betting odds
The Packers offense got a big boost from their running game last week as Ryan Grant had a season-high 137 rushing yards with two touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers has been forced to carry the load all year long and he’s done a great job, completing 65.5% of his passing with a quarterback rating of 102.5. Better yet, after being sacked 41 times in the first nine games, he’s been dropped just six times in the last four games. The offensive line has finally come together.
NFL betting fans know that the offense hasn’t been the problem for Pittsburgh this season but last week it was. The Steelers mustered just six points against the pitiful Cleveland Browns, which might not bode so well considering they face the No. 2 defense in the NFL this week. The Steelers still have a very good offense but the offensive line was extremely poor last week. They won’t play that poorly two weeks in a row.
Betting Edge: Even
Defensive Matchups: Packers vs Steelers betting odds
NFL betting fans might be surprised to hear that the Packers have the No. 2 defense in the NFL. There are a few ominous signs, though, that indicate that that ranking is somewhat inflated. The Packers have given up 24 passing touchdowns, which is the third most in the NFL. The Steelers have a good passing game and they’ll look to exploit the matchup of whoever Charles Woodson is not covering this week.
For Pittsburgh, their defense has had a very tough time holding on to leads without Polamalu in the lineup. The Steelers have blown fourth quarter leads in four of their last five losses. The Steelers still have a very good pass rush and that should be a big edge to them in this contest. While the Packers have protected well over their last four games, they have also played the likes of San Francisco, Detroit and Chicago in that time. LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison should have opportunities on Sunday.
Betting Edge: Even
Notable Injuries: Packers vs Steelers betting odds
The Packers are also without a key member in their secondary as corner Al Harris is out for the year. Sports betting fans know that the Steeelers will target the spot he vacated this week. On the defensive front, the Packers may be without nose tackle Ryan Pickett for a second straight week. He won’t practice until later in the week.
The Steelers are without Polamalu, which is a huge loss for the defense. On offense, they are still without guard Chris Kemoeatu and they sorely missed him last week as they gave up eight sacks.
Betting Edge: Packers
Over/Under Picks: Packers vs Steelers betting odds
The Packers defense has played well this season and while the Steelers’ unit hasn’t of late, 10 days of preparation should perk them up. With December weather at Heinz Field, this should be a nip-tuck with both defenses dominating.
Pick: Under 41
Outlook and Pick: Packers vs Steelers betting
The Packers have been the better team of late but there are a couple of things working against them. They are on the road for a second straight week – and for the third time in four weeks – which means fatigue might be a factor. They also don’t have much of a running game to rely on, which makes the task difficult on the road.
The Steelers have been brutal of late but with extra time to prepare for this game, we’ll see a better effort and likely a win.
STAN'S PICK: Steelers -1
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