Thursday Steelers vs Patriots Preview and Free Pick

In a disappointing turn of events during Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season, both the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers faced setbacks. The Los Angeles Chargers managed to shut out the Patriots with a 6-0 victory, while the Steelers fell short against the Arizona Cardinals, concluding the game with a score of 24-10. As we look ahead to Week 14, these two struggling teams are poised for a showdown in Pittsburgh.

Patriots’ Struggles Continue

With a dismal 2-10 record, the Patriots find themselves amid a challenging five-game losing streak as they approach Week 14. Under the seasoned leadership of Coach Bill Belichick, the team has grappled with reaching double-digit points in their last three outings. In a surprising move, the Patriots opted to bench their starting quarterback, Mac Jones, in favor of Bailey Zappe. However, this decision failed to produce positive results as the team suffered its second shutout of the season.

This loss holds historical significance as, before this week, the Patriots had never been blanked at home twice in a single season. Additionally, they tied a record set in 1938, becoming the first team since the Chicago Cardinals to score 10 or fewer points in three consecutive games. While the Patriots’ rushing defense showcased strength by limiting the Chargers to a mere 24 yards on the ground, their passing defense struggled, conceding 212 yards.

Steelers Face Setback

On the flip side, the Steelers, holding a 7-5 record, encountered a setback when they lost their starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, in the first half of their game against the Cardinals. Mitch Trubisky stepped in as quarterback, but the team struggled to replicate the offensive momentum seen in their previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Against the Bengals, the Steelers boasted 421 total yards with 22 first downs, but against the Cardinals, these numbers dropped to 317 total yards and 18 first downs.

Despite facing adverse weather conditions and enduring long delays in the Cardinals game, the Steelers also grappled with penalties and converting red zone trips into touchdowns. Adding to their concerns, Pickett finished the game wearing a boot on his right foot.

Steelers’ Inconsistency and Challenge

As the Steelers gear up to face the Patriots, their performance on third downs emerges as a crucial area requiring improvement, having allowed 10 conversions in the previous game. The team has exhibited inconsistency throughout the season, alternating between wins and losses in their last four games. Significantly, they have managed to avoid consecutive losses thus far in the season.

Analyzing Performance Against the Spread

Delving into their performance against the spread, the Steelers hold a 7-5-0 record for the season. However, in 2023, they have struggled to cover the spread in games where they are favorites by 6 points or more. Their games have exceeded set point totals only twice in 12 games, and they hold a 0-1 record against the spread as 6-point favorites or more at home. Despite these statistics, the Steelers have secured victories in 60% of the games in which they were the money line favorites.

Patriots’ Limited Success Against the Spread

Shifting focus to the Patriots, their success against the spread has been limited, with only two wins this season. When entering games as underdogs by 6 points or more, they covered the spread once. The Patriots’ games have surpassed the set point totals on three occasions out of 12, and they hold a 0-2 record against the spread on the road as 6-point underdogs or more. Notably, their average point total in away games is 40.5 points, exceeding the over/under set for the upcoming matchup (31 points).

Looking Ahead to the Crucial Matchup (Odds at BetAnySports.eu)

The New England Patriots, grappling with offensive struggles and a five-game losing streak, are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are contending with quarterback issues and inconsistent performances. Despite the Steelers’ favorable record against the spread, their struggles as favorites of 6 points or more in 2023 raise questions. The much-anticipated matchup is scheduled for December 7, 2023, at Acrisure Stadium, with the Steelers holding a 6-point favorite status and an over/under set at 31 points. The outcome of this game holds significant implications for both teams as they navigate through challenging seasons. It looks like Pickett will not be in the lineup and the QB will most likely be Mitch Trubisky. The outcome of this game is anyone’s guess at this point but based on how utterly bad the Patriots are and the fact that the Steelers are at home, we are leaning toward taking Pittsburgh here. Be sure to visit BetAnySports.eu and claim a 30% CASH bonus or 135% FREE PLAY on your deposit.  

Spread: Patriots +6 (-115) – Steelers -6 (-105)

Money line: Patriots +220 – Steelers -260