Betting Odds
Point Spread: Steelers -3.5
Total: 43
The Steelers have not covered the spread in their last two versus the Cardinals.
Pittsburgh eked out a 17-13 win over woeful Jacksonville last Sunday. Arizona is coming off their bye week.
The Steelers had a huge first half last week but couldn’t get anything going in the second. That type of inconsistency has plagued this unit all season. Arizona’s run defense has been average but they face one of the poorer O-lines in the league this week. Look for the front seven to try and corral RB Rashard Mendenhall early. QB Ben Roethlisberger is still wearing a protective boot over his sprained foot and has limited mobility. Look for DL Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell to be a handful for this line and for Roethlisberger to have to make quick throws. Arizona’s secondary is weak but they had a week off to regroup. If the defense can apply consistent pressure to Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh’s offense will struggle.
For the first time in HC Ken Whisenhunt’s tenure, the running game has been clicking. RB Chris Wells (79-381-6) is producing like the back Arizona thought he would be and he faces a defense that has lost some lustre in their run defense (4.6 yards-per-carry allowed). If Wells can be productive, the pressure is off of QB Kevin Kolb. He started the year strong but has been a little jittery in the pocket the past few games. The Steelers once-vaunted pass rush hasn’t been as good this season and they have gotten their sacks in bunches. WR Larry Fitzgerald remains an elite target and he has hurt this team in the past. WR Early Doucet has also stepped up his play. SS Troy Polamalu suffered a concussion last week and while he will play this week, his condition will be closely monitored.
ATS Pick
Pittsburgh is 4-2 this season but has only played two good games. Arizona used the bye to fine-tune specific areas of weakness. Prior to their blowout loss at Minnesota two weeks ago, the Cardinals had lost three games by a total of eight points. Look for Wells and a better Kolb to be the difference in a home underdog cover (9-4 ATS last 13 as home dog).
Take the Cardinals plus the points.
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