Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) vs. Chicago Bears (0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS)
NFL Week 3
Date/Time:Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Where: Soldier Field
TV: CBS
by Jerbeek, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:Pitt -7.5/Chi +7.5
Over/Under Total:45.5
The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the season with 2 straight wins but their high powered offense has really not kicked in yet as they are averaging 23.5 points per game. The Steelers have struggled so far running the ball averaging only 68.5 yards per game with an average of 2.8 yards per carry. QB Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 488 yards and 4 touchdowns in the first 2 games. WR Antonio Brown has led the way receiving with 244 yards and in Week 2 Martavis Bryant got involved in the offense with 3 catches for 91 yards. RB Leveon Bell has not been used much in the passing game as he has only recorded 2 catches on the season. It is probably only a matter of time before the Steelers get on track with their offense.
The Chicago Bears used the 2nd overall draft pick to select QB Mitch Trubisky but so far have been led by Mike Glennon who has struggled through the first 2 games. In his week 2 game versus Tampa Bay, Glennon threw for 301 yards but that was because the Bears were in catch up mode the entire day and had to try to throw the ball to get back in the game. RB Jordan Howard was expected to be the main man in the backfield; however, in week 1 Tarik Cohen stole the show and earned split carries in week 2. Both RBs were ineffective against the Tampa Bay defense. Cohen is the main back when it comes to the short passing game as he caught 8 passes in week 2 to help out his fantasy owners. Kendall Wright is the leading WR for the Bears but only has 103 yards in the first 2 games and has not yet found the end zone. The Bears are only averaging 12 points per game. Despite the offensive struggles, Head Coach John Fox says he is still not considering a change in quarterbacks at this time.
Pittsburgh is coming off a 11-5 season that saw them go on the road in the playoffs and knock off Kansas City before losing to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The Steelers would like to improve on the regular season record so they can play more home games in the playoffs this season. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is in his 11h year as the Steeler head coach and has never had a losing season.
The Bears are led by Head Coach John Fox who is in his 3rd years leading Chicago. Fox went 9-23 in his first 2 years and things dont appear to be any better in 2017. The question for Fox will be when to give up on this season and look to the future with Trubisky. Fox has been a good coach for cashing underdog tickets as he is a tough minded defensive coach who usually has his players playing hard.
The Steeler defense has been tough against the run giving up an average of 3.3 yards per rush. The pass defense has also done well limiting opponents to 4.8 yards per pass attempt. Overall the Pittsburgh defense has given up an average of 4.2 yards per play. The Steelers have only given up an average of 13.5 points per game.
The Bears defense has been stingy against the run allowing 3.2 yards per rush but the Chicago pass defense has struggled allowing 8.2 yards per pass attempt. This would appear to be a big issue against the high powered Steeler offense who likes to try to hit big plays to Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Overall the Bear have given up an average of 5.8 yards per play on the season.
The Steelers are no strangers to being favored on the road as they are 10-9 ATS in the past 4 years. They are only 1-7 ATS against a non-division team after a double digit win.
The Bears were a very good team at home in 2016 as they were 5-1 ATS as a home team underdog . They were the straight up winner in 3 of those 6 games where they were the underdog. Chicago is 14-0 as a home underdog off back to back losses.
Jerbeeks Pick to Cover the Point Spread: The Steelers have their division rival Baltimore Ravens on deck next week so I think they may be looking ahead a bit. I think the Steelers will win this game but the Bears will be just plucky enough to hang around to come in under the number. My recommendation is the Bears plus the 7.5 points. Bet this game and all your sports bets at 5Dimes! Why should you switch? Because you’re being overcharged for odds! Your book is socking you -110. Why pay that hefty price when you can bet at the lower price of -105? This saves you $5 for every $100 you bet and $50 for every $1000 you wager. Added up over time, this amounts to a massive amount of cash you’re pissing away. Plus, 5Dimes is simply better. More wagers, teasers up to 20 points, parlays up to 25 teams, faster payouts. It doesn’t make any sense to bet anywhere else! Get signed up today by clicking here!