The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to begin the post-Brady era by hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first preseason matchup of the 2023-2024 season on Friday, Aug. 11.
Pittsburgh looks to build off last year’s late-season success, winning its last four games in a row and finishing the season 9-8. Tampa Bay just managed to secure a playoff spot by winning the NFC South last season, however, its run was short-lived after a 31-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round.
With the floor set for Friday’s game, let’s take a look at the best bets and predictions for Steelers vs Buccaneers.
Steelers vs Buccaneers Odds
NFL odds used for this Pittsburgh vs Tampa Bay preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. ET.
Steelers vs Buccaneers Predictions
Score Pick: Steelers 22, Buccaneers 17
The Steelers appear to have found their quarterback of the future in Kenny Pickett, and there’s a good chance we see him and a few other projected starters for at least a series in this one.
Even so, Pittsburgh’s offense should continue to perform fairly well throughout the contest with serviceable veterans Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph both slated to receive ample playing time after Pickett is pulled for the day.
On the other hand, all signs out of Bucs’ training camp point toward an unexpectedly competitive quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Mayfield, who originally was the Week 1 projected starter, has reportedly struggled greatly with Dave Canales’ new offense being implemented this offseason.
The Buccaneers’ margin for error will be slim when playing against such a highly regarded defense like Pittsburgh’s. One should expect things to get ugly fairly quickly should the early training camp struggles carry over to Friday’s game.
Steelers vs Buccaneers Best Bets & Props
Steelers +1 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 Units
After opening the week as slight favorites, Pittsburgh now finds itself as a one-point underdog with just over 72 hours until kickoff.
A majority of the noise surrounding Steelers’ training camp has been optimistic and with great reason. The team is a healthy mix of young and exciting talent with experienced and proven veterans.
While preseason can be unpredictable, Pittsburgh should have no problem covering the spread based on the overwhelming talent down the depth chart.
For this reason, Steelers +1 is my NFL Pick of the Day.
Steelers: Team Total Points Over 19.5 (-120)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 Units
There’s no denying Mike Tomlin’s squad had its fair share of offensive struggles last season. It is also important to note that it will be facing one of the league’s stronger defenses, with Tampa Bay ranked 13th overall just a year ago.
Even so, you can expect a young Pittsburgh offense, with a full offseason under its belt, to continue to take strides toward improvement. Additionally, should Tomlin’s starters struggle against many of the Buccaneers’ first unit, Trubisky and Rudolph, who both employ plenty of regular-season experience, should have no trouble against the Bucs’ second and third stringers.
The Steelers’ defense is also susceptible to adding to the point total with the many big plays they are notorious for making.
Under 39.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
As previously discussed, unpredictability is the nature of preseason, and even more so for the first game of the bunch.
For that reason, scoring may come at a premium, especially for teams with younger cores and new offenses. With big-name players only expected to play so many reps, one could expect a low-scoring affair when these teams face off at the end of the week.
Steelers vs Buccaneers Same Game Parlay
No Same Game Parlays are available for this game, but this section will be updated if they become available.
