The Steelers offensive line will have to do a better job protecting Big Ben for them to have a chance to get the point spread cover.
Betting Odds
Spread: Texans -4
Total: 45
Pittsburgh needed a 4th-quarter surge to squeak by a rudderless Indianapolis 23-20 on Sunday night. Houston lost their first game of the season, 40-33 to New Orleans last week.
The Steelers inability to run (79, 257, 3.3 ypc) has put their offense in a hole. QB Ben Roethlisberger has thrown four picks and lost four fumbles on sacks. He has been sacked nine times this year as he has to line up behind one of the weakest O-lines in the league. Look for DE Mario Williams to apply constant pressure and he has the size to get Roethlisberger down quickly. The O-line isn’t opening holes for the running game either and injuries are also becoming a factor, especially at tackle. Houston’s defense was solid in the first two games but wilted against the Saints. The Steelers will be throwing a lot in this game and the secondary will be tested.
Houston expects RB Arian Foster to play this week but running the ball hasn’t been a problem with RB Ben Tate (66, 301, 4.6 ypc). Look for both backs to get their chances against a run defense that hasn’t been as dominant as in recent seasons. The weak link of Pittsburgh’s defense is in coverage by the secondary. WR Andre Johnson is a beast and a tough matchup for any defense. QB Matt Schaub is having another good season but the Steelers do present challenges with their different blitz packages. Schaub may be forced into quick dump passes to his RBs and TEs but he will look for Johnson deep. As always, Schaub has to be aware of SS Troy Polamalu.
Houston has been making noises about joining the leagues’ elite and need a signature win to get there. This looks like a good spot for them as they should be able to take advantage of the weak Pittsburgh O-line and challenge a great defense with a balanced attack.
Take the Texans -4 at Pinnacle
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