NFL Sunday Night Football pick: Steelers vs. Patriots
September 7th, 2019
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Pittsburgh Steelers | +6 (-115) | +205 | O 49 (-110) |
New England Patriots | -6 (-105) | -260 | U 49 (-110) |
Sunday night’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium promises to be exciting and close, but the Steelers have had such difficulty defeating New England in the Bill Belichick era (4-8, 4-7-1 ATS) that it’s hard to have confidence in them. Bettors should instead focus on the totals market, where there appears to be an opportunity on the Under.
The Under is 12-4 in Pittsburgh’s last 16 road games, dating back to September of 2017. New England has gone below the total in seven of its last nine home games. From a matchup perspective both squads have also subtracted offensive firepower over the offseason.
The Under is 12-4 in Pittsburgh’s last 16 road games, dating back to September of 2017. New England has gone below the total in seven of its last nine home games. From a matchup perspective both squads have also subtracted offensive firepower over the offseason.
Patriots will miss center David Andrews
Tight end Rob Gronkowski’s retirement will certainly have an impact on Tom Brady’s effectiveness in the season opener and beyond, but center David Andrews being lost for the season because of blood clots in his lungs could hurt the Patriots offense even more. The Steelers had the best pass rush in the league last year, with 52 sacks.From @NFLTotalAccess: #Patriots C David Andrews, one of their most underrated players, has been hospitalized with a blood clot in his lung. His availability is in doubt. pic.twitter.com/0wCEWOvEQp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2019
If Brady is under duress all game long, that will render speedy wide receiver Josh Gordon largely ineffective. Running back Sony Michel could have a hard time establishing himself on the ground, too, as Pittsburgh was sixth in rushing defense last year, further underscoring the strength of its defensive line, which features Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward.
Patriots should dominate Steelers' thin receiving corps
The Steelers have managed a modest 23.6 points per game in their last 13 September contests. They became highly reliant on the passing game in 2018, as Ben Roethlisberger recorded a career-high 675 passing attempts. That strategy bordered on asinine, even with Antonio Brown lining up at wide receiver.#Patriots CB J.C. Jackson doesn’t believe #Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is among the best receivers in the league.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 5, 2019
“In my opinion, I don’t think so. There’s a lot of good receivers in the NFL, you know?”
He added, “I mean, he’s a great receiver. I’m not saying (he’s not).” pic.twitter.com/J7vV45p9CX
JuJu Smith-Schuster leads Pittsburgh’s thin corps of receivers in 2019. He’s likely to be covered by Pro Bowl corner back Stephon Gilmore in this one. The Patriots’ defense seldom gets its fair share of praise, but it was seventh in points allowed per game (20.3) a year ago.
Play: Under
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