Two teams in the midst of disappointing campaigns will meet this Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. ET when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Carolina Panthers.
Both teams are 5-8 on the season, though Carolina seemingly has the hot hand as winners of three of its last four. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh could be without Kenny Pickett, who entered concussion protocol after taking a hit in Week 14.
See who I have winning this matchup in my Pittsburgh vs Carolina best bets and predictions.
Steelers vs Panthers Odds
As of Monday, Dec. 12, the Steelers are listed as 2.5-point underdogs at Caesars Sportsbook. With Mitch Trubisky likely under center for Pittsburgh, it’s understandable to see the Panthers favored in this spot.
The total is set at just 38.5 points, the second-lowest on the board.
Take a look at the best Steelers odds and Panthers odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Steelers vs Panthers Implied Totals
Panthers 20.5, Steelers 18
The bookmakers have the Panthers winning by a narrow margin in a low-scoring contest. Surprisingly, both teams are being given more points than their respective season averages.
Steelers vs Panthers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Steelers vs Panthers bet below.
Steelers vs Panthers Prediction
Steelers 23, Panthers 20
Many will point to Trubisky’s rough outing against the Ravens as a reason to avoid the Steelers this week, but that performance wasn’t entirely representative of who he’s been this season. By no means is he a great quarterback, but he’s a solid enough candidate to get the job done against the middle-of-the-pack Panthers.
Carolina is relatively good against the pass, but they struggle with the ground game, which is where the Steelers have picked things up lately. Over his last five games, Najee Harris has rushed for 343 yards and four touchdowns, while Pittsburgh as a team is averaging 142 rushing yards over that same span.
Sam Darnold and the Panthers’ backs should be able to muster up about 20 points against this Steelers defense, but I believe they’ll find themselves outmatched, losing a close and important game in the process.
Steelers vs Panthers Bet Tips
Here are a few Steelers vs Panthers betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- Carolina is 7-6 against the spread, while Pittsburgh is 6-6-1.
- The Panthers are 0-2 outright as home favorites.
- Overs are a combined 10-16 for the Steelers and Panthers.
Steelers vs Panthers Best Bets
Steelers +2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
With or without Pickett, Mike Tomlin will do his best to have his team prepared for what should be a tightly-contested meeting. Even if the Steelers lose, I could see them covering this 2.5-point spread on the road.
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Over 38.5 Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
While this pick may seem counterintuitive, I feel that this line has been set just a few points too low. Carolina has found some offensive rhythm in recent weeks, and the Steelers tend to keep things close as road dogs.
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Steelers vs Panthers Props
Check out the best Steelers vs Panthers player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Pittsburgh vs Carolina game and see all of its prop bets.
