The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Monday in Vegas as 1.5-point underdogs gearing up for their game against the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday. Historically, Pittsburgh has performed well against the Falcons and the series stands at 14-2-1, but both losses did come in Atlanta.
Steelers Stuck as Underdogs
Vegas is just saying what everyone has been saying all season, Pittsburgh hasn't been very good or terribly consistent. The black and gold have been underdogs for most of the season as they have been trying to find new life without former quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. FanDuel has already posted the odds for their next game on December 4th, even though they have their Week 12 game on Monday Night Football against the Indianapolis Colts. Vegas has Pittsburgh as a 1.5-point underdog with a +106 money line, and the over/under total for the game at 42 points.
This isn’t new territory for Pittsburgh. So far this season, they've been underdogs in 8 of their 11 games and are currently 3-7. The Falcons are only slightly better at 5-7 and have been 1-5 against the spread in their most recent 6 games. Betting history favors Atlanta hitting the under in their last five December games.
Steelers Need to Stay Humble
Pittsburgh has historically owned the Falcons, but none of that matters now. All that matters is this current game and this current season. This is no time for the team to get cocky or feel that they can easily win. Pittsburgh has been struggling with their offense all season, first starting Mitch Trubisky at quarterback and then benching him in favor of rookie, Kenny Pickett. Pickett isn’t the only young player on this offense; the starting lineup is all 26 or younger.
Keys to Success
Knock on wood… the Steelers offense seems to be coming together. They did put up 30 points against the Cincinnati Bengals last week. That should have been enough to win the game, but the defense struggled. If the Steelers can get all three phases of the game firing on all cylinders, they have a real chance. The Falcons do not have a strong defense and last week, we got to see the Steelers run game improve. To help that run game work, Pickett needs to connect with TE Pat Freiermuth and his WR's Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
Steelers' George Pickens (#14) makes a one-handed catch in practice on Wednesday in Pittburgh, PA. | Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
The Falcons, like most teams, tend to perform better at home. However, just as the Steelers might be gaining some momentum, the Falcons seem to be losing some. Atlanta’s QB Marcus Mariota just threw an interception in the Week 12 game against the Washington Commanders, likely ending their postseason dreams. They struggled to stop the run against the Commanders just as Steelers Najee Harris seems to be revving up. The Falcons only found the endzone one time against Washington and while their run game was solid, they were not able to sustain drives.
The betting line may yet change. The Steelers play the Colts in Indy first and foremost, and it seems likely that their performance could sway that line in one direction or another. This game is likely to be a close one.
How do you think the Steelers will perform against the Falcons? What players will shine in the ATL? Click to comment below.
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