Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots Betting Preview Week 1

Gambling911.com has your betting preview for the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots 2019 Week 1.  New England is a -6 favorite.  The total is set at 49.

68% of the spread action was on New England.  We are seeing the books flirt with -5.5, going against the action. This is a sign that the books could hold a strong opinion on Pittsburgh covering. Sagarin indicates the line should be Patriots -6.

Do monitor this one closely if books hold longer on the -5.5, and especially if they start moving to -5.  A few have gone there.  If New England continues to see 60% or more of the spread bets, consider pulling the trigger on Pittsburgh.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (2018: 9-6-1, 2ND IN AFC NORTH): Pittsburgh must replace the massive production of Brown, who surpassed 100 receptions and 1,200 yards in each of the past six seasons. Third-year wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster showed he is capable of a No. 1 role by hauling in 111 passes and scoring seven times in 2018. Roethlisberger threw for 5,129 yards and 34 touchdowns last season but also has the luxury of handing off to James Conner, who stepped in for Pro Bowl back Le'Veon Bell and rushed for 973 yards and 12 scores while gathering in 55 receptions and a TD. The Steelers tied for the league lead with 52 sacks, led by T.J. Watt with 13.0, and added another first-round pick in linebacker Devin Bush to the unit.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (2018: 11-5-0, 1st in AFC EAST): The 42-year-old Brady showed little signs of slowing down in 2018, throwing for 4,355 yards and 29 touchdowns despite playing with a patchwork crew of wide receivers. Gronkowski is a huge loss for an offense that has featured the tight end prominently, but Julian Edelman returns after capturing Most Valuable Player honors in Super Bowl LIII with 10 receptions for 141 yards. Running back Sony Michel rushed for 930 yards and six scores as a rookie while backfield mate James White led the team with 87 catches. A defense that held the Rams to three points in the Super Bowl added pass-rushing help in end Michael Bennett and linebackers Jamie Collins and rookie Chase Winovich.

ESPN.com’s Fantasy Tip:  In Sony Michel's past four games with at least 15 carries (playoffs included), he ran for seven touchdowns and averaged 22.3 fantasy points per game.

Hot Trend: The Patriots are a perfect 16-0 Straight Up in their last 16 games at home and 13-3 Against The Spread over that span.

- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com