By: Michael Stiffler, @Stiffeezy_ on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
If you followed my picks from Week 6, you would have gone 2-1 (10-5 YTD). The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the best teams against the spread this year (4-1) and it is going to be hard to go against them this week as they are GETTING points. Yes, they might be facing the toughest team in the AFC in the Tennessee Titans but the Steelers are one hell of a team this year. As always, lines are brought to you via FanDuel Sportsbook. *Lines may change when and wherever you do your betting.
Let’s get started!
Spread: Tennessee -1.5 (Opened at Pittsburgh -1.5)
The line movement for this has been quite the swing. The Steelers opened up as favorites but are now the underdogs in this matchup as sharp money has been put on the Titans. Even though the "sharps" are on the Titans, I will be taking the Steelers and the points in this one. Offensively, the Steelers can match the Titans point for point as both teams rank in the top 4 in the NFL in points per game. I think the biggest difference, which bodes well for the Steelers, is their defense is giving up a touchdown less per game than the Titans defense. Most of this is the result of their number 2 rush defense, which is only allowing 66.2 yard per game. While the Titans boast plenty of weapons to attack through the air, the heart of the offense runs through Derrick Henry. Henry and company will have to do what others couldn't and run the ball against this tough front seven. If they are unsuccessful, Ryan Tannehill will have a long day with TJ Watt and Bud Dupree pinning their ears back.
Stiffler’s Pick: Pittsburgh +1.5 (Confident)
Total: Over/Under 50.5 (Opened at 52.5)
This has the feeling of a game that will end up being a 27-24 nail biter. Both teams have the ability to score, and worst case scenario is one team blows the doors off the other. I don't think the Titans defense has shown the ability to make this one into a defensive slugfest so I tend to believe the over is going to be the best bet for this game.
Stiffler’s Pick: Over 50.5 (Very Confident)
1st Half Spread: Pick
While the Titans play the underdog card for how they have been treated with their handling of COVID-19, I think Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin needs to get more respect. I think after having this week and a half week during their "bye" to game plan for Mike Vrabel and the Titans, the Steelers can start fast. Tomlin does not nearly get enough credit for how great of a coach he is. Whether that is because the of the gray hoodie who resides in the AFC East or whatever it may be, I think after this "5-star" matchup people will start to give him the respect he deserves.
Stiffler’s Pick: Pittsburgh (Confident)
Feel free to follow, fade, or criticize all picks. I wish you good fortune on your bets to come.
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