Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS)
Week 3 NFL
Date/Time: Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 4:25PM EST
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV: CBS
By Loot, NFL Football Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Betting Odds: PIT -3.5/PHI +3.5
Over/Under Total: 46.5
The Pittsburgh Steelers come into Lincoln Financial Field for the in-state matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles in a week three battle of 2-0 teams. Both teams have covered the spread in each week. The Eagles, under first-year coach Doug Pederson and rookie QB Carson Wentz, have scored 29 points in both weeks, beating the Browns 29-10 in week one, before beating the Bears 29-14 on Monday Night Football in week two. They're at home, but the opponent is a bit more difficult, with the AFC contender Pittsburgh Steelers rolling into town. At 2-0, they followed a 38-16 week one road smashing of the Redskins with a nice 24-16 win at home over division rival Cincinnati. They look to make it 3-0 this week, but this isn't the gimme they thought it might be before the season started.
The Steelers offense looks to have overcome some issues on offense and with Le'Veon Bell coming back in the game after this, it should get better. The Steelers offense wasn't as dynamic in week two with the tough Bengals defense, but still did enough to win. The Steelers never trailed and with under 4 minutes in the final quarter, it was 24-9, Steelers. A late TD made it close. But it was a really good win over another divisional power. Ben Roethlisberger was a bit off-the-mark with two picks, but threw three TD passes on the day. DeAngelo Williams, a real find who has filled in admirably for Bell over the past two seasons, picked up 94 yards on the ground on Sunday, while also catching a TD pass. Tight ends Jesse James and Xavier Grimble each caught TD passes, as well. Also of promise is the continued integration into this offense of talented Sammie Coates, who picked up 97 yards receiving against the Bengals. This offense should be just fine. And lest we forget one of the best in the business in WR Antonio Brown, a difference-maker who should be on-point after a slow day in week two.
The Steelers defense played pretty well on Sunday. They held Cincy to 4-for-16 on third down conversions and held the Bengals to just 16 points, the last 7 coming at the end of the game. After stifling a home Redskins offense in week 1 and also giving up only 16 points, we're seeing some things start to come together for this group. Ends Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward are difference-makers. The back-seven is forming into a really impactful bunch, with linebackers Ryan Shazier, Lawrence Timmons, and good secondary with William Gay, Robert Golden, Ross Cockrell, and Mike Mitchell. Through two games, they look to have grown into a strong unit, but we will see if they can maintain that great form.
The Eagles have to be pretty happy about where they are. You have to like a team that takes risks, as they did in letting go of their starting QB just before the season started, jettisoning Carson Wentz from third-string to starting quarterback. Wentz has been excellent, leading the team to two straight wins to open the season. To anoint him as a star would obviously be premature, but he certainly looks the part so far. With 29 points in each game, he's moving the offense smoothly and has not thrown an interception yet.
They've shown they can be a pretty resourceful group on offense, as well. Wentz only threw for 190 yards in Monday night against the Bears and the run-game gained a modest 100 yards on 32 carries. But when it counted, he made the right plays, taking not a lot of production and turning it into 29 points. The run game should be OK with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. With ball-catchers Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, and other youngsters vying for playing time, they should continue to over-achieve.
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After allowing 24 points through two games, we might also be dealing with an enhanced Philly defense, as well. Up-front, they're getting good play from Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Connor Barwin. Meanwhile, Mychal Kendricks and Nigel Bradham are strong in the middle. And thus far, the secondary with Malcolm Jenkins, Nolan Carroll, Ron Brooks, and Rodney McLeod have been adept at keeping opposing quarterbacks in check. But against the Steelers, this group will be tested to a greater extent than what the Browns and Bears were able to bring to the table.
Philadelphia will try to make life hard on the Steelers on Sunday, something that neither the Bengals nor the Redskins were really able to do. Look for the Philly faithful, excited with the promising start, to be in full-bloom on Sunday. It's easy to envision Pittsburgh bringing the Philly coming-out party to an end with a full display of offensive power. But just as the Eagles haven't been tested, Pittsburgh might be seeing some things for the first time too—a good home defense and an energetic rookie blue-chipper trying to make his way. I see Philly being resourceful and covering the spread as the home dog.
Loot's Prediction to Cover the Point Spread: I'm betting on the Philadelphia Eagles plus 3.5 points. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today by signing up and betting the Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia game at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 100% sign-up bonus!
