Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Free Monday Night Football Pick, 9–24–2018
Free NFL Spread Pick by Tim Harris of Oddsboard.com
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Monday, September 24th, 8:15 pm EST
NFL Spread Pick and Odds
NFL Odds: Buccaneers -1, 54.5
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers (0–1–1) search for their first win of the season on the road vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Steelers are winless after two weeks after a tie with the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, and losing a 42–37 shootout against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.
The biggest story surrounding the Steelers organization has been the absence of All-Pro running back, Le’Veon Bell. Rumors have emerged there is a possibility of a trade but the Steelers have to remain focused on tonight’s contest. James Connor has replaced Bell and is has played well with 257 total yards (152 rushing, 105 receiving) to go along with three rushing touchdowns.
Pittsburgh’s defense has been a weak point of this team thus far this season. Allowing 21 points to the Browns and 42 points to the Chiefs. The absence of linebacker Ryan Shazier this season and veteran cornerback Joe Haden has depleted this defense. The good news is the Steelers will welcome cornerback Joe Haden back into the starting lineup after he missed last week’s game due to a hamstring injury.
Steelers Betting Trends
- Steelers are 4–0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss
- Steelers are 1–5 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss
- Steelers are 0–4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By far the most impressive team so far this season has been the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Back up QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken the NFL by storm, throwing for 815 yards, 8 TDs to 1 interception. Fitzpatrick has been in the NFL for 14 years, but he’s never started a season the way he has in 2018. It’s safe to say the job is his upon Jameis Winston’s return if he continues to lead this team to wins.
The Buccaneers have beaten two of the best teams in the NFC, including the New Orleans Saints and defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Tampa Bay’s defense is still a question mark, allowing 40 points to New Orleans and 21 to a depleted Philly offense. They rank near the bottom of the NFL allowing 443 Total Yards, 376 Passing Yards, and 30 points allowed. The defense has played well vs the rush allowing only 63 rushing yards per game.
Buccaneers Betting Trends
- Buccaneers are 5–0 ATS in their last 5 games overall
- Buccaneers are 4–1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win
- Buccaneers are 7–3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win
Steelers vs Buccaneers Betting Prediction
This game is important for both teams but most important for the Steelers. Pittsburgh does not want to go (0–2–1) to start the season and put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. The Bucs getting off to a (3–0) start would put them at the top of the food chain in the NFC. The drama surrounding Pittsburgh has been a major distraction and to think their defense can stop this hot Tampa Bay offense is a reach. I may favor the Steelers if they were playing at home but considering the momentum and swag that the Buccaneers are playing with it’s tough to fade them at home. Pittsburgh’s pass rush has been a non-factor and if they allow Fitzpatrick time, his weapons on offense will eat up this Steelers defense. I’ll lay the -1 point with the home team and take Tampa Bay in a close victory.
Steelers vs Buccaneers Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -1
