This week’s edition of Thursday Night Football has the New England Patriots taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers. With five weeks remaining in the 2023 NFL regular season, the stakes are higher than ever. Right now, both teams are limping into this game.
The Patriots have a mere 2-10 record. As for the Steelers, they are trying to hang onto a playoff spot with a 7-5 record. Who will come out on top? Let’s take a look.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds
At the time of writing, here are the current betting odds for tomorrow night’s game:
Team | Spread | Total | ML |
New England Patriots | +6
-110 |
O30
-105 |
+230 |
Pittsburgh Steelers | -6
-110 |
U30
-115 |
-250 |
**Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** |
New England Patriots Keys
The main thing to note for New England is the fact that they have a quarterback controversy. This season, QB Mac Jones has been benched multiple times. Last Sunday, Belichick followed through on this by starting QB Bailey Zappe.
In Sunday’s loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, Zappe had just 141 passing yards. He also had a mere completion percentage of 52 in that game. Right now, the speculation is that Zappe will start once again tomorrow night.
New England’s offense has been struggling all season. Their offense averages the fewest points per game in the NFL. The Patriots also average just 290 total yards per game.
The saving grace for New England is their defense. They allow just 310 total yards per game. However, they have allowed the fewest points in the NFL since Week 9. Yet, New England has not won a game in that stretch.
Pittsburgh Steelers Keys
As for the Steelers, they have their own quarterback issues. The difference is that theirs are because of an injury. Starting QB Kenny Pickett suffered a high ankle sprain in last week’s loss against the Arizona Cardinals. That means he is out for tomorrow’s game against the Patriots.
With that in mind, veteran QB Mitchell Trubisky is expected to get the nod. In 2023, Trubisky has had 273 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and two interceptions. Now, he is going up against a Patriots defense that is playing well recently.
The good news is that the Steelers have a talented defense of their own. It is led by T.J. Watt, who is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with 14 sacks this season.
On top of this, Pittsburgh is good at creating turnovers. They are second in the NFL in turnover differential (+10). Along with this, Pittsburgh is fifth in the NFL in takeaways (20). With uncertainty on the Patriots’ side of the ball, the Steelers could certainly strike tomorrow night.
Game Prediction
Overall, there is a lot of uncertainty on both sides of the ball. Expect a low-scoring affair and a hard game to watch. Do not be afraid of the low total, especially when the Patriots game last week had six total points.
Final Pick
Under 30 (-115)
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