Rafael Guillén
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in last place in the AFC North, but the division is so tight that there still is some light at the end of the tunnel. They come from beating Carolina in Week 15 by a score of 24-16, and it is expected that they can finally have some consistency, which they have lacked this season.
They have three games left and have a 6-8 record. So, if they win the three, they would be behind the Ravens and could be playoff contenders. They play against their division rivals, so they are in control of their own future. Since their bye week, they have won four games and only lost two. The break was useful for them to catch their breath and recharge their batteries.
The offense was in good shape with Kenny Pickett, but he got injured, and now it’s Mitch Trubisky the one who is in control. He has not done badly when he needs to be the one pulling the strings:
he has played in 6 games, but has only won two. He has performed as expected, but sometimes it is the defense that takes the bull by the horns when things are going well. They are one of the highest scoring teams with 309 points per game. Most of the losses Trubisky has had, except for a thrashing 38-3 against Buffalo, have been by a few points.
As we mentioned, they still have high hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, and depend on themselves. By beating Cleveland, they get in safe waters because the tiebreaker is advantageous for the Browns, who beat them in winning percentage. It is a complicated mission for the Steelers, but nothing is impossible.
Let’s go through the Steelers odds this week as they start to play for their lives. Mistakes are not allowed, and they must win the next three games to keep their heads on in the season.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 of the 2022 NFL Season
Moneyline (-133 from BetMGM)
They face Las Vegas at home, therefore they are the favorites. But they’re not doing so well playing in Pittsburgh. With only two wins, they have Trubisky starting and, while he hasn’t done badly, he hasn’t won that much.
The game against the Raiders is historic. It is one of the greatest rivalries in the NFL. One of the most iconics moments was Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception, who sadly just passed away, victim of a cancer. What better way to honor one of the idols by beating the team against which he made history.
Spread (-2.5 from BetMGM)
The spread is a little low. But let’s consider that neither team score that much: the Raiders have an average of 24.1 and the Steelers 17.9. It will not be a game with many points scored, but it will be quite emotional and disputed, as these confrontations always are.
If we review the last 5 meetings between them, the Steelers have only been able to win one of those playing at home. But that was a while ago: it was in 2015 and the game ended with a score of 35-38, they literally put their heart and soul into the game.
Over/Under (38.5 from BetMGM)
It’s low, we know, but that’s because they both have a hard time scoring. Trubisky will play his third game at the helm of Pittsburgh’s offense. Besides, they will be playing at home. Apart from the imperative need to win in order to keep the hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive, they will have to risk a little more.
The Steelers Win AFC North: N/A
They can’t win it, so bookmakers have stopped analyzing this possibility.
The Steelers Win the NFC Conference: +40000
In this case they can do it, but first they have to qualify, that’s why it pays so much. It is possible that if they fall against the Raiders, they will remove these odds; but if they continue to advance, this will increase.
The Steelers Win the Super Bowl: +75000
It would be a miracle. But there is precedent for a team winning the Super Bowl with a similar record. The 2011 Giants were champions with a 9-7 record. So, if the Steelers can win all three of their remaining games, they would be 9-8. It is very complicated, but as we have been saying, it’s on them.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM. We invite you to read our reviews!
