Steelers vs Patriots: Free NFL Week 1 Betting Picks

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots

Sunday, September 8 at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC) in Gillette Stadium
Odds
The total was opened by oddsmakers . “Under” lovers have dropped that total nearly everywhere to 49.5 while 51.5 hangs in the balance at 5Dimes.
1 fad that speaks in their favor is the”under” is 4-1 in the last five matchups between those teams because 2015.
New England’s Offense Is Slated For A Slow Start
Week 1 is a period for New England’s offense because of its offensive lineup. The Patriots have dropped some would-be starters such as handle Trent Brown to free service and center David Andrews, while presence isn’t actually an issue.
The issue building chemistry and is figuring out which player will block in which position.
Pittsburgh’s front seven suffers no such problems with chemistry or continuity. It seems to build off last year’s achievement where it ranked third in sofa rate.
The line features Cameron Heyward that enters the season with two Pro Bowl appearances.
This past year PFF graded Stephon Tuitt as the 21st lineman and Javon Hargrave was graded higher in the latter part of last year. Hargrave will build off that late-season victory to feast on the backup center of New England.
The linebacking team is much faster with top-10 draft pick Devin Bush along with his 4.43 40-yard dash speed.
Neutralizing Tom Brady has been a secret to hampering the offense of New England by dominating the line of scrimmage and this crucial can be achieved by Pittsburgh.
With N’Keal Harry Josh Gordon rusty after taking a long time and Gronk hurt, Brady does not really have a threat.
Running Sony Michel has been working heavily on his own pass-catching ability, although New England has.
Expect a whole lot of short passes from the backfield and also to Julian Edelman. Pittsburgh run off lots of clock in order to score and will create Brady work.
Pittsburgh’s Offense Misses Key Weapons
Sunday night will signify unchartered land for the Steelers’ offense as it will move without Le’Veon Bell two departed stars and Antonio Brown.
While Pittsburgh didn’t need to miss Bell year because of its superior run-blocking, the absence of Brown is a huge thing.
He is arguably the league’s most talented receiver in many respects and he always draws on substantial attention .
JuJu Smith-Schuster is going to soon be Big Ben target with James Washington because the guy. Even though the Steelers are decreasing quality and depth New England is profound in its secondary.
It boasts two corners. Stephon Gilmore had the highest policy grade on passes of 10 or more yards of the league and also led the NFL in opposing completion percent.
J.C. Jackson also ranked among team leaders in groups like forced incompletion rate, opposing end rate, and opposing passer rating. Corner Jason McCourty amassed similarly elite stats.
Safety Devin McCourty continues to be the highest-graded defender times of New England since 2010 and it required just two seasons that are amazing out of Gilmore to border him in this regard from each of the previous two decades.
While Gilmore draws on Washington, I could see Devin supporting Jackson from Schuster. Regardless of what, New England easily boasts Pittsburgh’s to be handled by the caliber in its secondary reduced passing attack.
New England’s run defense may compete with the remaining power of Pittsburgh’s offense. While Danny Schelton is a up-and-comer who’s always leaned on his proportions lawrence Guy rated because the lineman this past year.
The linebacking team still features stalwarts like Dont’Kyle Van Noy and a Hightower.
Conclusion
Both strikes will struggle to get moving — New England’s because it lacks pass-catching risks downfield and since it’ll have to contend against a Steeler front seven with an offensive lineup in regular.
Pittsburgh’s will struggle against an elite secondary. Both offenses will have to grind their way downfield New England together with Michel between the tackles and its running backs with Conner against a consistently formidable Patriot front .
Free NFL Pick: Under 51.5 (-110) in 5Dimes