Patriots vs Steelers Picks & Odds: Pittsburgh Listed As Rare Home Underdog

Despite coming off an upset overtime victory in their season opener a week ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) are listed as small home underdogs for this Sunday’s matchup with the New England Patriots (0-1, 0-1). The Steelers edged the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in OT last Sunday after closing as 7-point road underdogs, and they have won five games in a row as a home dog.

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Patriots vs Steelers Sportsbook Odds

This is one of the head-scratching lines of Week 2, as the wrong team looks to be favored in this AFC matchup. Not only is New England quarterback Mac Jones listed as questionable with a back injury, but he and his teammates did not play well in a 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins as 3-point road underdogs in their season opener a week ago.

What might be more surprising, though, is that bettors have not yet made Pittsburgh the favorite in early betting action – yet. While Jones looks likely to play at this point, the only real line movement so far has been on the total, with it dropping 3.5 points down to 40.

Get the best Patriots vs Steelers odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

New England’s Offense Sputters In Week 1 Loss At Miami

With or without Jones under center, the Patriots face some serious challenges on offense. Limited to just a third-quarter touchdown pass from Jones to running back Ty Montgomery – who was recently placed on IR after aggravating a knee injury – New England is literally hurting offensively.

The running back tandem of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson also fizzled with 17 carries for 73 yards, although the team was playing from behind for most of the game.

The duo also totaled four catches for 12 yards between them, and without Montgomery in the mix, they will need to be better to help Jones.

Pittsburgh’s Defense Needs To Adjust Following Watt Injury

How important is T.J. Watt to the Steelers and their defense? Well, his absence due to a pectoral injury for at least this week is the only legitimate reason why the Patriots should be favored, since he is the heart and soul of that unit.

He is expected to be out six weeks but apparently does not need surgery, so his leadership in the locker room could still give the team a boost.

The D was critical in the upset win at Cincinnati, and without him, Pittsburgh definitely is not the same team. However, the current state of the New England offense – or lack thereof – has to give this team at least some confidence right now.

Patriots: Keys To Victory

New England definitely needs to run the ball better to take some pressure off Jones, especially if his back is still ailing. The Patriots have a great one-two punch with Harris and Stevenson, and both must step up and play better than they did in the season opener. If they can run the ball effectively, they will have a chance to win and cover as small faves.

Steelers: Keys To Victory

This is about as good a coaching matchup as you will see between Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and New England’s Bill Belichick. Tomlin has seen the Steelers lose seven of the past 10 meetings, going 3-6-1 ATS in those games. However, the Patriots had a future Hall of Fame quarterback helping them win those games. That will not be the case here.

NFL Computer Pick: Steelers +1.5

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