Side with Steelers Against Raiders in Battle of Struggling Offenses

Teams Aching To Break out of Offensive Funks

· Sep 22 - 4 minutes read

A battle of 1-1 teams pits the Steelers against the Raiders in Las Vegas. Both squads have somewhat identical seasons. They both gutted out wins against mediocre teams but also got smoked by two Super Bowl contenders. On top of that, both are averaging under 17 points per game hence the low total of 43 points. But as far as the NFL odds go, taking the points on Pittsburgh is the play to make.

Pittsburgh Ready To Break Out

The Steelers and all their backers betting online got a rude awakening these two weeks. Their offense looked clumsy and quarterback Kenny Pickett appears to have regressed. But to their defense, they faced two of the NFL’s stoutest defensive lines in San Francisco and Cleveland. The Raiders are not on the same tier so Pittsburgh could finally show out here.

Side with Steelers Against Raiders in Battle of Struggling Offenses

Pittsburgh has not scored more than 21 points against Las Vegas in its last three meetings. The total went under in all these games and the Steelers won just one game (13-10 last season). And everyone is harping against offensive coordinator Matt Canada or Pickett.

The intricate details of Kenny Pickett’s 71 yard touchdown to George Pickens are worth your discovery.

Patience + Anticipation + Toughness 🔥

Let’s learn some football! #AchoAnswers #Steelers pic.twitter.com/xeX3oRxKtR

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 19, 2023

But Pickett made some big plays to beat Cleveland the other day. While his efficiency is subpar thus far, Pickett has maintained that grit that has allowed him to win close games. Thus, he might just help the Steelers cash their NFL odds to win at +125.

Raiders’ Defense on Hot Seat

If Canada is on the Steelers’ hot seat, Patrick Brown should feel the same with Las Vegas. The Raiders have now had two poor showings on defense. Never mind that they held Denver to 16 points – a lot of that was on the Broncos. This unit finished second-last in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) last year. It is once again in the bottom five this 2023.

In five years as a defensive coordinator, Brown’s defenses have finished in the bottom quarter of the NFL four times. And other than edge rusher Maxx Crosby, this Raiders defense is sorely lacking.

On top of that, Jimmy Garoppolo is not the type of quarterback to carry a team. The Raiders are favored (-145) per the NFL odds this week. But that’s questionable as being a host has not been much of an advantage in Vegas (11-14).

Recent Trends Favor Raiders Against Steelers9

Las Vegas has had Pittsburgh’s number in recent seasons. The Raiders are 4-1 ATS when hosting the Steelers. They are also 8-2 ATS overall in their last 10 meetings with Pittsburgh.

Steelers vs Raiders Game Information

Date/Time: Sept. 24, 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Steelers vs Raiders Live Stream: NFL Game Pass

Steelers vs Raiders Game Weather Conditions

The game is being played in stadium with a dome.

Steelers vs Raider Betting Lines

Betting Odds Calculator

Steelers vs Raiders Game Prediction

Predicted Score: Steelers 24, Raiders 23

Take Pittsburgh To Win Outright

In terms of the NFL point spread bets, we’d rather take Pittsburgh to win outright. The Steelers’ offense may be having issues now, but its defense is just outside of the top five as far as expected points contributed. But Las Vegas? This time is ready to get lit up again.

NFL Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers +125 (-110)

Go Against the Grain and Bet the Total to Go ‘Over’

Speaking of lighting things up, we’re bucking the recent trend or the sportsbook’s low total. Pittsburgh will put up points against a porous Raiders defense. And we won’t be surprised if Las Vegas can almost match Pittsburgh’s total since it still has a talented offense albeit poorly coached. Go over.