Pittsburgh -3 +105
The Steelers should be getting their leader back tonight, as Roethlisberger is expected to return to action. If not, Charlie Batch will start in his place. Batch has been more than serviceable, throwing for three touchdowns last week against Miami. He is 3-0 SU/ATS in relief of Big Ben in the last few seasons.
Alot has been made of the Jags and how they handled the Cowboys last week. They were able to come away with a 24-17 home victory over a Dallas team that many thought would be one of the NFC's best this season. Looking at the box score from the game a few things stand out. Dallas had nine penalties and three turnovers, but still only lost the game by seven points.
The Jags were able to beat Pittsburgh last season at Heinz Field (23-17 in OT) with Tommy Maddox making the start for the Steelers. He also threw three INTs, one of which was returned for the game-winning TD in OT. The Steelers were held to just 73 rushing yards in this game, yet Jacksonville still barely squeaked out a win. This has been a common theme for the Jags, a team playing as poorly as they can, yet Jacksonville barely escapes with a win. Pittsburgh has won it L8 games dating back to last season and they looked to be in mid-season form last week against Miami.
The Jaguars have also been slowed by injuries in the last week. They are without two of their top defensive lineman, in Reggie Howard and Paul Spicer. Matt Jones missed practice again on Saturday with a groin injury, one place where a receiver who relies on speed does not want to deal with an injury.
The Steelers should be motivated to play well as this is their only Monday night appearance of the season. They have a tough game against the Bengals next week at home and cannot afford an off week, with both Baltimore and Cincinnati starting the season 2-0. I think Pittsburgh will have some success running the ball tonight and should come away with the victory and cover.
I am also playing this prop...
Steelers to score first -130
The Steelers should be getting their leader back tonight, as Roethlisberger is expected to return to action. If not, Charlie Batch will start in his place. Batch has been more than serviceable, throwing for three touchdowns last week against Miami. He is 3-0 SU/ATS in relief of Big Ben in the last few seasons.
Alot has been made of the Jags and how they handled the Cowboys last week. They were able to come away with a 24-17 home victory over a Dallas team that many thought would be one of the NFC's best this season. Looking at the box score from the game a few things stand out. Dallas had nine penalties and three turnovers, but still only lost the game by seven points.
The Jags were able to beat Pittsburgh last season at Heinz Field (23-17 in OT) with Tommy Maddox making the start for the Steelers. He also threw three INTs, one of which was returned for the game-winning TD in OT. The Steelers were held to just 73 rushing yards in this game, yet Jacksonville still barely squeaked out a win. This has been a common theme for the Jags, a team playing as poorly as they can, yet Jacksonville barely escapes with a win. Pittsburgh has won it L8 games dating back to last season and they looked to be in mid-season form last week against Miami.
The Jaguars have also been slowed by injuries in the last week. They are without two of their top defensive lineman, in Reggie Howard and Paul Spicer. Matt Jones missed practice again on Saturday with a groin injury, one place where a receiver who relies on speed does not want to deal with an injury.
The Steelers should be motivated to play well as this is their only Monday night appearance of the season. They have a tough game against the Bengals next week at home and cannot afford an off week, with both Baltimore and Cincinnati starting the season 2-0. I think Pittsburgh will have some success running the ball tonight and should come away with the victory and cover.
I am also playing this prop...
Steelers to score first -130
