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Raiders vs Steelers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

The Las Vegas Raiders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers will cap a day of Christmas Eve games with a primetime showdown. A dream of a playoff appearance is dancing in both teams’ heads. To fulfill the unlikely goal, they must win the final three games ahead and get some help.

The Raiders (6-8) come off a miracle 30-24 win thanks to a botched New England Patriots’ hook-and-adder. The Steelers (6-8) grabbed an impressive road win against the Carolina Panthers by riding the run game. Both squads are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last four games. Whose postseason hopes will be shattered on the night before Christmas?

Raiders vs Steelers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
Raiders vs Steelers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Raiders vs Steelers. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 16 picks for you to consider.

Raiders vs Steelers Betting Lines

Las Vegas Could Go Air Raid

After winning four of their last five games while going 4-1 ATS, the Raiders have crawled back into the playoff conversation. Las Vega’s 17-16 loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 looks more costly by the day. The Raiders nearly blew another two-score lead against the Patriots. Fortunately, they survived after defensive end Chandler Jones made a house call with a 48-yard fumble return on the final play of the game.

Las Vegas has challenging games ahead against the Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs. It will lean on its offense, which ranks 10th in points per game and 11th in yards per game. The Raiders have reached 27 points in three of the last four games.

Saturday night will be a tough challenge, as the Steelers have not allowed 20 points since Week 11. However, their last four opponents have not featured a passing game at Las Vegas’ level. The Raiders rank 13th in passing yards per game while Pittsburgh is 24th in pass defense. Wide receiver Davante Adams, who has hit 70 yards in six of the last seven, has a favorable matchup. Adams looks like an excellent prop bet choice.

Pittsburgh Offense is No Longer Anemic

After backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw three interceptions in Week 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers attempted 45 runs in the 24-16 win against the Panthers. An improved run game has completely changed the Steelers, leading to a 3-1 record over the last four games.

It’s not an efficient attack, as Pittsburgh ranks 25th in yards per carry, but the run game is doing enough to demand respect from defenses. In turn, this can open up the passing game. We could not see that with Trubisky at QB, but rookie Kenny Pickett is expected to return from a concussion this week.

Pickett returns to a wide receiver corps hitting its stride. Rookie wideout George Pickens has averaged over 26 yards per catch in the last two games. Plus, Diontae Johnson comes off a season-best 10 receptions for 98 yards. Las Vegas ranks 26th in allowed passing yards per game.

Raiders vs Steelers Game Injuries

Raiders vs Steelers Head-to-Head

The Raiders have won four of the last five and are 1-0 against the Steelers since moving to Las Vegas. The Raiders are also 2-0 ATS in their last two trips to Pittsburgh.

Raiders vs Steelers Game Information

  • Game: Raiders vs Steelers
  • Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 24, 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
  • How to watch Raiders vs Steelers?: NFLN
    Raiders vs Steelers Live stream: NFL Game Pass

Raiders vs Steelers Game Weather Conditions

Like most of the country, Pittsburgh will be dealing with bitter-cold weather. The forecast is calling for 10°F while feeling like -9°F due to 14 mph winds. At times, the wind could be a problem with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.

Raiders vs Steelers Game Picks & Prediction

Predicted Score: Raiders 24, Steelers 21

Worth Betting on the Moneyline?

The Raiders at +125 is a promising bet. Quarterback Derek Carr and wideout Adams will fare well against the Steelers’ weak cornerbacks. Wide receivers D.J. Moore (73 yards), Michael Pittman Jr. (seven receptions) and Tee Higgins (148 yards) had success against Pittsburgh’s secondary over the last month. Adams is a far greater challenge.

  • Worth Betting ATS?

Las Vegas had gone 2-1 ATS in its last three road games. The Steelers are 0-2 ATS in their last two home games. Both teams’ passing attacks should do well in this game, but this will be at the mercy of the weather. If the wind stays around 15 mph, that’s manageable. However, if the wind continues to swirl and reach 30 mph, the passing game could be erased.

The Raiders have the advantage in the run game. Pittsburgh averaged under four yards per carry in the last two games. Plus, the Steelers allowed more than 200 rushing yards in Week 14. Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs has been one of the NFL’s best running backs and has recorded at least 90 rushing yards in five consecutive games.

  • Worth Betting on the Totals?

While the over is tempting as both offenses have performed well, avoid the total. The weather will be too unpredictable. If the wind becomes a problem, a bet on the over would be demolished. Stick with the Raiders on the Moneyline and ATS.

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.

Raiders vs Steelers Edge

Raiders vs Steelers Results

Raiders vs Steelers Game Summary

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