Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS)
NFL Week 3
Date/Time: Sunday, September 25th, 2016 at 4:25PM EST
Where: Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA
TV: CBS
by Bob, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: PIT 4 / PHI +4
Over/Under Total: 46
This Sunday we have a great afternoon game between two teams that are 2-0 on the 2016 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers will head into Lincoln Financial Field to take on their in state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. This will be a great NFC/AFC showdown between two teams that are not division rivals, but there is just a little something extra in this game seeing as how both teams reside in Pennsylvania.
The line opens with the Steelers as a four point road favorite over the Eagles. The total points are set at 46 combined. Both teams are 2-0 overall and both teams have also covered their spreads in weeks one and two this season. Now, week three, something has to give. At this time, 63% of the action is on the Steelers to get the road cover. For the total points, like usual, the sides are pretty even with 52% liking this game to shoot over the 46 total.
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The Eagles so far are not only happy with their new coaching regime, but rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, has played rather well as the starter. Wentz has thrown for 468 yards on a 61% completion percentage with three touchdowns and he has yet to throw a pick. The Eagles are coming off a great win at Chicago and if they can manage to get this home win, that would be huge. Not only has Carson Wentz played well, but Ryan Matthews has handled most of the load running the ball for Philly. Matthews has gained over 100 yards and already has three scores. As for catching the ball, well it is Matthews again leading the way, but not Ryan Matthews though. Jordan Matthews has caught 13 balls for 185 yards and a score. The offense is looking so far to be quite balanced and much of this can be attributed to the coaching staff not wanting to put too much pressure on Wentz so early.
What is the real reason though that the Eagles are 2-0? It is the defense. Philadelphia is second in the NFL through two weeks allowing just 12 points per game. They gave up just 10 against the Browns and another 14 against the Bears on Monday night. This weekend will be a much tougher task though.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a legit AFC contender for much of the last decade. Big Ben is still leading the way and the Steelers defense is playing well too just giving up 16 points in each of their first two games on 2016. The Steelers offense has had most of its success in the running game. Ranking 6th in the NFL through two weeks, the Steelers are averaging 135.5 yards per game being led by DeAngelo Williams who has already rushed for 237 yards and two scores. The key to getting this road win for Pittsburgh is to come out and punch Philly in the mouth early. Carson Wentz has not seen too much pressure so therefore he has not been in those situations where rookies tend to make mistakes. The Steelers defense must get to this kid and put him on the ground a few times. On offense, Pittsburgh just needs to do what they do. Score. They are averaging 31 points per game and I believe if they hit that number this Sunday, they will not only win, but they will cover those four points as well.
These are tough games to pick. I think I read a stat that said over 68% of NFL games are decided by 4 points or less throughout the season. Not sure if that is true but it probably is. As much as I think the Steelers are the better team at this time, I still cannot take a road favorite in a hostile place like Philadelphia, not yet. I think this game is a good one and I do like the Steelers to win on a late field goal. 24-21. But that means the Philadelphia Eagles will get the cover.
Bobs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Philadelphia Eagles +4
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