Rookie standout C.J. Stroud will get his second dose of AFC North football on Sunday afternoon when the Houston Texans host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Texans were handily defeated by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 but have flipped things around over the last two weeks. They will face a confident Steelers squad entering Week 4 off of two straight victories.
Let’s take a look at Steelers vs Texans predictions and best bets.
Steelers vs Texans Odds
NFL odds used for this Pittsburgh vs Houston preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Steelers (-155) • Texans (+130)
- Spread: Steelers -3 (+100) • Texans +3 (-120)
- Total Points: Over 42 (-110) • Under 42 (-110)
- Implied Score: Steelers 22.5, Texans 19.5
Steelers vs Texans Predictions
Score Pick: Steelers 25, Texans 20
Houston picked up its first victory of the season in dominant fashion with a 37-17 dismantling of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans got solid contributions from all three phases of the squad and, most importantly, out of his No. 2 overall pick.
Stroud picked the Jaguars secondary apart, finishing the game 20 of 30 for 280 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The 21-year-old has already formed a great connection with rookie receiver Tank Dell, who had five receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.
However, the rookies will be up against arguably their toughest opponent to date. Stroud has yet to commit a turnover after three games, but he will now face the defense with the second-most takeaways (eight) in the league.
Pittsburgh’s ability to force mistakes has been fuelled by its relentless pass rush, led by edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Mike Tomlin’s squad currently leads the league in sacks (13) and is tied for the second-most QB pressures of all 32 teams.
There’s no denying the Steelers’ defense has been the biggest reason for the squad’s 2-1 start to the season. However, Kenny Pickett and the offense have steadily improved and are coming into Week 4’s matchup following their best outing yet.
Pickett finished 16 of 28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday night’s 23-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the absence of Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson, Pickett has continuously improved after a disastrous start to the season.
With Pittsburgh’s offense trending upward, and its defense playing as dominantly as it has, I’m giving the road team the slight edge for Sunday’s matchup.
The Texans have had trouble running the ball all season and will be forced to depend on their rookie quarterback against a loaded Steeler defense.
This one should be close throughout, with Pittsburgh making a few more big plays down the stretch.
Steelers vs Texans Best Bets & Props
Steelers -3 (+100)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 units
Picking the Steelers to cover at +100 odds seems almost too good to be true. Sportsbooks are much higher on the Texans following last week’s victory, but there’s no denying the team has struggled through three games.
Houston’s defense has allowed the fourth-most yards per play with 5.6. While the defense will come into Week 4 after its best performance of the season, it is important to note that it came against a struggling Jaguars unit.
The Steelers should be able to win outright and handily cover the spread in the process, making Steelers -3 my NFL bet of the day.
Over 42 (-110)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1.5 units
Both offenses have now put up 20 points or more in two straight games heading into this matchup. The young squads have looked better and better as each week goes by, and that trend should continue here.
While the Steelers’ defense has been dominant in spurts, it is important to mention that the squad has allowed 70 points through three games.
Additionally, Pittsburgh has given up a big game to a receiver in all three weeks, with Raiders’ Devante Adams being the latest. Adams had 13 receptions for 172 yards and two touchdowns last week.
Stroud and Dell could be in for a big outing, but the Houston defense could ultimately hold the squad back.
The Texans have allowed 73 points through three games, including 31 against the Gardner Minshew-led Indianapolis Colts.
Steelers Over 24 (+114)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Steelers’ offense accounted for just one touchdown in each of the first two games. Week 3 saw the offense double that mark, and they will now look to continue progressing on that side of the ball.
The Texans defense is prone to allowing big plays, and the Steelers could certainly score more than 24 in this one.
Additionally, the big-play ability of the Steelers’ defense always makes it a candidate to put points on the board having already scored two touchdowns this season.
Steelers vs Texans Same Game Parlay
Steelers vs Texans SGP (+275)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1.5 units
- Steelers -3 (+100)
- Steelers (-155)
- Tank Dell Over 50 Receiving Yards (+113)
Combining these three legs gives great odds for a Steelers vs Texans same-game parlay.
The Steelers to win outright/cover seems like the way to go when betting on this matchup. The star power on both sides of the ball easily outweighs the young talent the Texans have to offer.
For the final leg, Dell could cause Pittsburgh issues in this one. The third-round pick led Houston in receiving yards in its last game and will face a veteran Steelers cornerback group that has struggled early on this season.
