New England Patriots (2-10) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 12/7/23 – The struggling New England Patriots (2-10) will clash with the surging Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) for this Week 14 Thursday Night Football matchup. Set to unfold at the Acrisure Stadium on Thursday, this NFL showdown will be broadcasted on AMZN. As we dive into this analysis, remember to keep an eye out for football free picks that could sway your betting decisions.
The New England Patriots’ season has completely derailed, as they’ve lost 10 of their last 11 games after starting the year 1-0. Rookie quarterback Mac Jones has battled inconsistency and injuries, and the offense ranks near the bottom of the league. However, the defense has kept them competitive in most games.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have won 4 straight games to insert themselves firmly into the AFC playoff race. Led by rookie QB Kenny Pickett, the emerging offense is finding its groove. Playing at home under the lights, Pittsburgh will look to keep rolling and further dim New England’s slim postseason hopes. This should be a hard-fought battle between AFC rivals hungry to finish the season strong.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 12/7/23 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
| TV: | AMZN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Mac Jones QB vs. Kenny Pickett QB
Patriots QB Mac Jones has taken a step back in year two, with just 10 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He’s also dealing with a nagging back injury. Jones must improve his decision making and efficiency versus a Steelers defense allowing the 6th fewest passing yards per game (195.3). The former Alabama standout has the weapons to succeed, but needs to execute better.
Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett has provided a spark since taking over the starting job. He has minimized mistakes, with just 4 interceptions over 7 starts after throwing 8 in his first few appearances. Pickett is also utilizing his mobility, rushing for over 200 yards. He should find room both inside the pocket and scrambling against a mediocre Patriots pass defense.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -270, Total Odds: 35
The betting odds lean towards the Steelers, with a -270 moneyline and a -6.5 point spread, indicating their favoritism in this matchup. The total points set at 35 with equal odds for over and under signify expectations of a low-scoring game, likely due to the defensive strengths and offensive struggles of both teams.
New England Patriots Betting Trends
The Patriots have struggled against the spread recently, going 0-5 ATS in their last 5 contests. The under has also hit in 9 of their previous 11 matchups. Straight up, New England is on a 5-game losing streak and will look to snap that slide on Thursday night. Historically, the Pats have fared well versus Pittsburgh, covering the spread in 13 of their last 19 meetings. However, they have struggled on the road this season, managing just a 1-6 ATS record in their last 7 away matchups.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Steelers enter this game as one of the hottest ATS teams in football, covering in 11 of their past 16 overall. Unders have hit in 9 of Pittsburgh’s last 10 contests as well. The Steelers are also 11-5 straight up in their previous 16 outings. In games against New England, 6 of the last 7 have gone under the total. At home, Pittsburgh has seen 4 of its last 5 go under the projected point threshold. And in their last 5 home contests versus the Patriots, the under is 5-0.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 12/7/23 Betting Picks
Considering all the analysis and betting trends, the Steelers seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their stronger offensive play, coupled with a consistent defense, gives them an edge over the Patriots. When looking at prop bets, focusing on the Steelers’ key players like George Pickens for receiving yards could be a wise choice.
In terms of the better pick, the Steelers appear to be the safer bet, both in terms of the spread and moneyline. The low total points suggest a defense-dominated game, so betting on the under might also be prudent. For those seeking handicapping services, ensure to weigh these insights alongside current form and player fitness updates.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, New England Patriots 14