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Sunday Night Football Picks: Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders

by Mike Allen - 9/19/2023

Sunday Night Football predictions Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las Vegas Raiders T.J. Watt

Sunday night's game in Las Vegas between the Raiders and the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers looks like an even matchup at first glance. As a prime-time game, I can see this one coming down to a late touchdown or field goal.

I'm sure there will be some Steelers fans in the house. They're everywhere. Las Vegas is a sports town, though, and there is no doubt they get behind their team for home games. Everyone of all ages is accustomed to going out at night in that city. It shows too, because they have shown just as much support to the Raiders as they have their Stanley Cup Champion Golden Knights.

Let’s check the betting odds for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders and make a prediction.

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Betting Odds

Steelers at Raiders Point Spread

Las Vegas: -2 (-108)

Pittsburgh: +2 (-113)

Moneyline

Las Vegas: -130

Pittsburgh: +110

Point Total

Over 43: -110

Under 43: -110

It looks like the sportsbooks just read this, because the betting line for this game has shifted significantly from Pittsburgh at (-1) to now the Raiders as 2-point home favorites. I heard a lot of chatter about handicappers leaning toward Las Vegas and that maybe the line should be a pick'em.

Three points is a big shift. Full disclosure: I was looking to bet the Steelers moneyline of (-120) until the odds changed. They are now sitting at (+110).

Analysis

The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to be better than they are right now. I think that is why they are getting so much hate. I understand that offensive coordinator Matt Canada and starting quarterback Kenny Pickett are getting called tweedle-dee and dumb by members of Steeler Nation worldwide.

Are we ready to blame Canada?

It was all over my feed last night by the second half. The team won the game, but fans are already throwing a fit. The defense is playing well, however. They did play probably the best team in the NFL in Week 1 and followed it up against an underrated Cleveland Browns team in Week 2.

Both of those opponents had stout defenses led by some of the best cornerbacks and defensive ends in the league. The Steelers have an opportunity to redirect their course with a big road win now as betting underdogs in prime time.

This line move is an overreaction. However, does that mean we follow the steam and pay the small amount of juice to play Vegas on the moneyline at (-130)? Or do we take the team with the better defense and more experienced head coach?

Let’s talk about the Raiders for a second. Their offense has been completely unbalanced for the first two games of the 2023 regular season. They rank in the top three in yards per pass but in the bottom three in yards per rush.

They're also bottom three in the NFL in pass attempts per game. So, are they really that lethal through the air? They better be, because star running back Josh Jacobs ran the ball nine times last week against the Buffalo Bills for a grand total of minus two yards.

I hate trying to be smarter than everyone, but I can't help but think this massive betting line move is due to previous expectations. They were high for a high-profile team.

The loss to the 49ers was a wash, and they found a way to win their other game. I am not ready to jump ship just yet. Pittsburgh safety Minkas Fitzpatrick, who left the game against the Browns with a chest contusion, is expected to play.

One stat that surprised me was not the nine sacks the Steelers have through two games but the fact that the Raiders haven't allowed one! Jimmy Garrappolo has already thrown three interceptions, however, so maybe the struggling journeyman should have taken a sack or two.

I don't trust that guy. He failed the Niners. And without a running game, he is destined for failure in Las Vegas as well.

Prediction

If you like the Raiders, take their moneyline. I won't be offended. There is a lot of money behind them to win this Sunday night, but my choice is Pittsburgh with the points.

Pick: Steelers (+2)

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