Sunday Night Football Preview, Patriots visit Steel City
Two of the NFL’s best teams meet up in the Sunday night game. The Patriots have been winning with good situational football, but their offense lacks the kind of big-play threat (like Randy Moss) that can capitalize against a Steelers D that is excellent, yet susceptible to giving up the big play. Sportsbook.com Patriots vs. Steelers Betting Lines: Pittsburgh -4.5, Total: 45
The Pats young defense is in disarray, exploited by Peyton Hillis last week for 184 rushing yards and two scores in the 34-14 loss at Cleveland. During the Ben Roethlisberger era, Pittsburgh has had success against Bill Belichick defenses that had more talent, averaging 25.4 PPG in the past five meetings. New England got a scare this week as QB Tom Brady missed Wednesday’s practice with a sprained foot, but he is expected to start Sunday night.
New England has lost back-to-back games only twice since 2003. In 21 games following an in-season loss, Brady has been excellent, completing 67 percent of his passes and throwing for 42 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. This equates to a gaudy 105.4 passer rating. Brady has also dominated Pittsburgh in six career meetings with five wins, 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions. But Brady has lost some of his luster after Randy Moss was traded, throwing for only five touchdowns in four games. The team put up 32.8 PPG with Moss and is averaging a mere 22.0 PPG after he was traded.
This doesn’t seem to concern Sportsbook.com bettors as 66 percent of the early Patriots vs. Steelers point spread action is on New England.
Brady should be able to throw the football on Pittsburgh again, considering the Steelers have allowed 273 passing YPG this year. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve this week (quad), so New England replaced him with Shayne Graham who has made over 85 percent of his FG attempts in his career.
Pittsburgh continues to lead the NFL in scoring defense (15.4 PPG) and run defense (58.3 YPG). However, on the other side of the ball, the Steelers’ offensive line is beat up with OT Max Starks placed on injured reserve (neck) this week. Rookie center Maurkice Pouncey (leg) and G Chris Kemoeatu (knee) are also both hurting, but both expect to play Sunday night. Pittsburgh must be more careful with the football based on its six turnovers in the past three games.
The Patriots are 6-2 ATS in their last eight trips to Pittsburgh. Additionally, here are three more NFL betting trends uncovered at Sportsbook.com that indicates New England is the way to bet.
Play On - Road teams (NEW ENGLAND) - off a road loss, in November games. (41-11 over the last 5 seasons.) (78.8%, +28.9 units.
Bill Belichick is 29-9 ATS (76.3%, +19.1 Units) after having won 4 out of their last 5 games as the coach of NEW ENGLAND. The average score was NEW ENGLAND 24.9, OPPONENT 16.3.
Belichick is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in road games after scoring 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games as the coach of NEW ENGLAND. The average score was NEW ENGLAND 29.7, OPPONENT 17.3.
To bet on the Patriots vs. Steelers game or to check out the rest of NFL Week 10 betting odds, head over to Sportsbook.com now.
