NFL Picks: The Pittsburgh Steelers have a somewhat improved look over last year but have yet to develop into a consistent winner. In fact the Men of Steel have been most rusty as a betting value when the public goes “all in” with the belief that Pittsburgh is on track. Another major problem for Pittsburgh has been their lack of focus and preparation for matchups against the worst teams in the NFL. The Tennessee Titans have no such problems as they are simply bad and with no false illusions about contending.
The Tennessee Titans will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at LP Field on Monday Night with coverage on ESPN starting at 8:30 PM ET. Pittsburgh opened as a five point favorite with a total of 47.
Inexplicable Losses
The Steelers are 6-4 straight up, 5-5 against the spread, and 6-4 over the total. Pittsburgh is coming off a 20-13 loss at the hapless New York Jets last week which adds to their embarrassing loss earlier this season to the woeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh ranks fifth in the NFL for total offense but has slipped to 20th for scoring defense. Pittsburgh’s improved line play with new offensive line coach Mike Munchak has helped keep the heat off of Ben Roethlisberger, who has responded with a 107.3 QB rating and a 23-5 TD-INT ratio.
Titanic Losses
Tennessee is 2-7 SU, 2-6-1 ATS, and 3-6 under the total after a 21-7 loss at Baltimore. The Titans rank next to last for both total and scoring offense while their defense ranks 21st both overall and for points allowed. Quarterbacking has been a mess with Jake Locker, Charlie Whitehurst, and Zach Mettenberger all struggling.
Matchup and Pick
Pittsburgh has been a solid betting value on the road as of late with five payouts in their last seven away tilts. The Steelers have gone under the total in six out of their last 10 away games.
Tennessee has been a true “go against” team when playing at home as of late. The Titans have paid out in just three out of their last 17 games at LP Field with three out of their last five home games going under the total.
Pittsburgh has covered the spread in eight out of their last 14 games against Tennessee with 10 out of the last 15 meetings between the Steelers and Titans going over the total. The Steelers have come away with the money in four out of their last seven visits to Tennessee with five out of the last six meetings between the Steelers and Titans at LP Field going over the total.
We’ll call for Pittsburgh in this Monday Night matchup.
