Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4, 5-5 ATS) @ Tennessee Titans (2-7, 2-6-1 ATS)
*ATS= against the spread
BETDAQ Line: Pittsburgh -5.5 (45.5)
Significant Injuries
Pittsburgh: DT Steve McLendon (out– shoulder), S Troy Polamalu (out– knee), LB Ryan Shazier (out– ankle), CB Ike Taylor (out– forearm), S Shamarko Thomas (out– hamstring)
Tennessee: DT Sammie Lee Hill (questionable– hamstring), RB Dexter McCluster (questionable– knee), TE Delanie Walker (questionable– concussion), RB Leon Washington (questionable– hamstring), CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (questionable– back)
Recent Trends
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a loss
Pittsburgh is 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games after scoring fewer than 15 points in their previous game
Pittsburgh is 6-20-1 ATS in their last 27 road games vs. a team with a losing home record
Tennessee is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday night games
Tennessee is 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning record
Tennessee is 3-12-2 ATS in their last 17 games overall
The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these 2 teams
The UNDER is 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 5 road games
The UNDER is 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 5 games vs. a team with a losing record
The UNDER is 8-3 in Tennessee’s last 11 games overall
Three reasons to back Pittsburgh
1. The Steelers are simply a far better team than the Titans. They have a superior record, they score more points, they allow fewer points, and they’ve performed better against the spread. As a matter of fact, the Titans are one of the worst teams in the league to back, covering just 3 times in their last 17 games (!). And five of Pittsburgh’s 6 wins this season have come by 7 points or more, so bettors shouldn’t be too concerned about the 5.5-point number here.
2. The Pittsburgh defense has played well in recent weeks, limiting 3 of their last 4 opponents to 23 points or fewer. On Monday night they’ll be facing a Tennessee offense averages just 16 points per game and will be starting an unimpressive rookie (Zach Mettenberger) at quarterback. The Titans have scored 17 points or fewer in 7 of their last 8 games.
3. Tennessee has struggled defensively this season, ranking 20th in total defense and 29th against the run. They have little chance of slowing down the high-powered Pittsburgh offense, a unit that has produced 137 combined points in their last 4 games.
Three reasons to back Tennessee
1. The Titans are a 5.5-point home ‘dog against a team that lost to the lowly New York Jets last week. As if losing in New York isn’t bad enough, the Steelers were even worse in their previous road game, a 31-10 beatdown at the hands of division rival Cleveland. Throw in a home loss to Tampa Bay and the Steelers have proven that they can lose to just about anyone. They certainly shouldn’t be relied upon as a road favorite this week., as they’ve covered just 6 times in their last 26 road games against teams with winning records.
2. Tennessee has played well defensively in recent weeks, limiting 3 of their past 4 opponents to 21 points or fewer. The Pittsburgh offense, meanwhile, is averaging just 16.7 points per game on the road this season.
3. The Pittsburgh defense is really banged-up, as five regular contributors will miss this game with a variety of ailments. A breakout performance from the Tennessee offense is a definite possibility, especially when you consider that rookie running back Bishop Sankey is really starting to emerge and the Steelers are surrendering a generous 4.4 yards per carry to opposing backs.
Prediction
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