Indy Looking to Sink Pittsburgh
Two AFC teams with losing records will clash on this week’s edition of Monday night football odds as the Indianapolis Colts play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Colts (4-6-1) have drastically improved since interim coach Jeff Saturday took over with two consecutive covers against the spread (ATS). The Steelers (3-7) are struggling to find consistency with a 2-2 record ATS over the last four.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Steelers vs Colts. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 12 picks for you to consider.
Steelers vs Colts Betting Lines
Steelers Dependent on Defense
From a betting perspective, it’s hard to figure out the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over the last four games, Pittsburgh is 2-2 ATS and has split the over/under. One reliable trend is when the Steelers hit the under, they usually cover. In fact, they have covered three consecutive games when hitting the under.
So what do the Steelers need for another cover on the MNF odds? Pittsburgh’s defense must be better. It held opponents to only 14.7 points per game during the last three covers, compared to allowing over 30 points in the last two failed covers. Cornerback play is a clear weakness and some of it is on coaching.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has deployed man coverage at the third-highest rate in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s pass rush is not producing as usual, ranking 30th in pressure rate. Of course, edge rusher T.J. Watt has been out most of the season, which certainly plays a factor. However, last week in the 37-30 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, the pass rush did not produce with Watt. The result was Cincinnati’s QB Joe Burrow totaling 355 passing yards.
The offense will also be challenged this week, as emerging rookie running back Jaylen Warren is questionable with a hamstring injury.
Wholesale Changes in Indy
From Week 7 to Week 9, the Indianapolis Colts lost three straight and went 0-3 ATS. In the last two games with Saturday at the helm, Indy has covered back-to-back games and nearly defeated the Philadelphia Eagles (17-16) last week as big underdogs.
The offense’s major changes have been a big help. Former head coach Frank Reich’s fingerprints are no longer on this unit, as pass game specialist Parks Frazier has taken over as the play-caller. The Colts are running the ball more often and have more balance.
A 37-year-old Matt Ryan should have never been attempting over 35 passes per game. Running back Jonathan Taylor had two of his three highest rushing totals of the season in the last two games, including 147 yards in Week 10. Indianapolis may have to lean on Ryan a bit more this week as the Steelers rank fifth in allowed yards per carry.
Make sure to keep a close eye on the injury report. The defense has two key players questionable: defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ribs) and defensive end Kwity Paye (ankle). Also, starting center Ryan Kelly (shoulder) and starting wideout Parris Campbell (illness) are questionable.
Steelers vs Colts Game Injuries
Steelers vs Colts Head-to-Head
This is one of the most lopsided NFL series you will ever see, as the Steelers are 26-6 against the Colts. Indianapolis has lost seven consecutive games and is 2-5 ATS during that span. However, the Colts have fared well at home against the Steelers, going 2-1 ATS in the last three.
Be sure to check all Thursday night football tonight odds for the Steelers vs Colts.
Steelers vs Colts Game Information
- Game: Steelers vs Colts
- Date/Time: Monday, Nov. 28, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
- How to watch Steelers vs Colts?: ESPN
Steelers vs Colts Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Steelers vs Colts Weather Conditions
The domed Lucas Oil Stadium will protect the Steelers and Colts from a chilly 37°F night.
Steelers vs Colts Picks & Prediction
Predicted Score: Colts 20, Steelers 16
- Worth betting on the Moneyline?
Take the Colts on the moneyline. Indianapolis just played close with one of the league’s best teams the Eagles, while the Steelers gave up 37 points in the previous game. Indianapolis QB Ryan has been highly efficient in the last two games with a completion percentage of over 70%. Pittsburgh ranks last in passing defense.
- Worth Betting ATS?
With a small spread of -2½, picking Indy to win also means a cover. As mentioned, Ryan fares well against a horrible secondary. Also, Indianapolis ranks fifth in allowed yards per game and Pittsburgh is 27th in yards per game.
Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett is not good enough yet to carry the team to a win. Pittsburgh needs the run game and rookie RB Warren’s status is not looking good. Plus, the Colts are second in allowed yards per carry. Indy will stay hot, covering its third straight.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
Thanks to the inconsistent Pittsburgh defense, betting the total is tough. The Colts have held opponents to under 20 points per game in the last five, leading to the under in four games. I would lean toward the under, but who knows what the Steelers’ pass rush looks like?
- Tempting Props?
Check out Michael Pittman Jr. props. He comes off a good outing against the Eagles’ outstanding cornerback duo, posting 75 receiving yards. The Steelers do not fare well against star receivers. Last week, Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins had 148 yards. Philly’s A.J. Brown posted 156 yards in Week 8.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
Steelers vs Colts Trends
Steelers vs Colts Edge
Steelers vs Colts Results
Steelers vs Colts Game Summary
