So the vaunted Steeler defense hasn't been so vaunted and Big Ben may be on the limp for the Week 5 clash against the Titans.
The result has been a low opening number for the home team, rare against a mediocre squad like Tennessee. But with injuries to James Harrison and other on the D and Roethlisberger hobbled after the Houston game, 3.5 points is all the Steelers give.
"We still expect this number to climb, but it certainly didn't start where it would have with a healthy defense and a healthy Big Ben," said Mike Pickett of OddsShark.com. "People still love to bet the Steelers all across America, not just in western Penn." http://oddsshark.com/nfl/steelers-vs-titans-preview-october-09-2011
For their part, the Titans broke a 6-game road losing skid last week and will look to add to their win total at the expense of Pittsburgh. They have been bet all the way from +6.5 to +3 at some shops tracked by OddsShark.com.
If you were wondering which team has gotten the better of the point spread battle, it's very even. However, the OVER has prevailed seven of the past nine meetings here in Pitt, good for a 7-2 run on the total.
Check out trends below on many Week 5 games and check out Odds Shark for live NFL line moves, matchup reports and trends and previews on every NFL and college game. Check out Pitt's matchup with Rutgers where the Panthers are favored by a TD this week as well. http://oddsshark.com/ncaaf/pittsburgh-rutgers-odds-october-8-2011
Full Week 5 Trends, live odds and matchup reports:
Tennessee +3.5 at Pittsburgh -3.5 | Total 40 1:00 PM CBS
OVER is 7-2 in the past 9 meetings in Pittsburgh
Titans broke 6-game road losing skid last week
Seattle +10 at NY Giants -10 | Total 43.5 1:00 PM FOX
Seahawks 0-5 SU at Giants since 1983
Seahawks 3-17 SU & ATS on road since 2008
Cincinnati +1.5 at Jacksonville -1.5 | Total 37 1:00 PM CBS
Cincy is 1-7 SU in their past 8 road games
Cincy 2-9 SU past 11 against the Jaguars
Cincy 2-9 ATS in their past 11 games in October
New Orleans -6.5 at Carolina +6.5 | Total 52.5 1:00 PM FOX
Past eight meetings here have all played UNDER
Under is 11-2 in the past 13 meetings overall
Saints just 2-7 ATS in their past 9 vs Panthers
Oakland +6 at Houston -6 | Total 48.5 1:00 PM CBS
Raiders 1-5 SU and ATS vs Texans
Houston is 16-3 favoring the OVER past 19 Oct games
Philadelphia -3 at Buffalo +3 | Total 50 1:00 PM FOX
Eagles -6 in turnovers; Bills +7 in turnovers
OVER is 9-1-1 past 11 Eagle road games
Eagles 1-6 ATS past 7 as favorite
Kansas City +1.5 at Indianapolis -1.5 | Total 38.5 1:00 PM CBS
Indy is 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS in their past 11 games with KC
Both teams head for their bye week in Week 6
Arizona +1.5 at Minnesota -1.5 | Total 45 1:00 PM FOX
Cardinals have lost 8 of 10 trips to the Metrodome
Cardinals OVER bet in October (15-3-1 past 19 games)