It’s hard to tell if New England is going to have a down year in 2022, or if their 20-7 loss to the Dolphins last week was just part of usual struggles with visits to Miami? The Patriots at Steelers betting matchup for week 2 is interesting, because Pittsburgh has some similar concerns as their opponents even though they are coming off a win last week.
The Steelers beat the Bengals 23-20 last week as +7.5 underdogs in what really was a game of “who wants to lose less.” Even in the win, Pittsburgh suffered a big loss with reigning defensive player of the year T.J. Watt suffering a left pectoral injury. Watt’s absence could be a big reason in why New England is a -2.5 road favorite on Sunday.
Patriots Offense Needs a Reboot
Whether it was because the team needs some adjusting after losing coordinator Josh McDaniels in the offseason or if QB Mac Jones‘ back injury was worse than relayed, the Patriots offense did not look good in week one. A Ty Montgomery 6-yard TD catch was the only score in the 23-7 loss to the Dolphins in week one although New England was a +3 point underdog.
Jones is said to be healthy heading into the Patriots at Steelers betting matchup, and he does get a break with Watt out of the lineup. That being said it looks like Pittsburgh has a deep defense as they had 7 sacks on Burrow last week and forced him into 5 turnovers (4 INTs, 1 fumble). Jones was 21/30 for 213 yards with 1/1.
Bill Belichick should be licking his chops to scheme against Mitch Trubisky in just his second regular season game running the Steelers offense. That being said New England is also playing in their second consecutive road contest and the crowd should be very lively for Pittsburgh’s home opener.
Steelers Offense Needs to Be Better
Pittsburgh’s defense held up their end of the bargain last Sunday, with some of the Steelers’ 23 points coming from a 31-yard INT TD return by Minkah Fitzpatrick – who also sent the game into OT by blocking a Cincinnati extra point at the end of regulation. They should have similar success against a New England offense that looked in disarray last week, but still need some help from the offense.
Trubisky was 21/38 for 194 yards with a TD in his Steelers debut, and to his credit he did have a couple big completions to TE Pat Freiermuth that set up Chris Boswell’s 53-yard game winner in OT. The Steelers managed just 75 yards rushing last week, and New England held Miami to 65 yards on the ground on 23 carries. Trubisky may have to win this one for Pittsburgh.
Free Patriots at Steelers Betting Pick
We’ve got a couple of good defenses and largely unproven offenses. The total (40.5) reflects taht point but it still looks too high. 55% of the betting public does like Pittsburgh as home underdogs, but this feels like an under play all the way.
Free Pick: Under 40.5
