NFL Week 15 brings us the battle of two 5-8 teams as the Steelers travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers.
The Panthers are on the rise since firing Matt Rhule and are still in the running to take the NFC South as the Steelers look to throw a wrench into their plans.
For Steelers vs Panthers prediction, analysis, and more, keep reading below.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers
Steelers’ Performance Recap
Steelers fans’ mourn the current Pittsburgh Steelers standings as they sit in a tie for last in the AFC North with a 5-8 record.
Though they still play with a respectable bend but don’t break defense, the offense is putting up such horrible NFL team stats it’s holding the team back.
Currently ranked 27th in points per game and 26th in yards per game, it’s not hard to see why the Steelers are having troubles this year.
Panthers’ Performance Recap
On the other hand, the Carolina Panthers went to Seattle and left with an impressive 30-24 victory over the Seahawks, putting them also at 5-8 on the season.
However, due to how poorly the AFC South as a division is performing as a whole, the Carolina Panthers Standings are second in the division while remaining only one game out from the first place.
Meaning this game has real implications for the NFL standings and playoff picture despite the records of the two teams.
Last Game
Steelers’ Last Game Record
Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost a 2-point game to the Baltimore Ravens in a game where backup QBs were being showcased.
Kenny Pickett left the game early and is now in concussion protocol on the NFL injury report. Leaving former pro bowler Mitchell Trubisky to take the snaps for Pittsburgh.
Unfortunately, Trubisky threw three interceptions in the 16-14 loss. Steelers fans’ mourn the current Pittsburgh Steelers standings as they sit in a tie for last in the AFC North with a 5-8 record.
Panthers’ Last Game Record
Last week the Panthers’ run game was on display as D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard both put up 74 yards, and Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear each put up a rushing TD.
While Sam Darnold put up respectable NFL player stats throwing for 14/24, 120 yards, and a TD in the air.
And though Geno Smith was able to find success in the air with 3 TDs, the defense came up clutch, getting 2 INTs and ultimately winning the turnover battle.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers Analysis
My Steelers vs Panthers prediction for the game comes down to how well Carolina’s run game can do against this Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
Steelers’ Defense
I believe the Steelers’ defense has the edge in this one. Though the Carolina Panthers have been playing the run game better since trading McCaffrey, to everyone’s surprise, the Steelers’ defense just plays consistently well against the run.
Currently taking on the 21st most rushing attempts while holding to the 15th least amount of rush yards.
This discrepancy shows how well Pittsburgh is playing against the run, and though Carolina has multiple guys who can show different looks, I just expect the Steelers to be able to handle it.
Odds Breakdown
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The NFL odds currently have the Steelers as +2 underdogs against the spread, with their moneyline being set at +110. The total is 38.5
- Carolina Panthers
The Panthers come into this one -2 favorites against the spread with a moneyline of -130. Making this one of the closer NFL matchups this week on the NFL schedule.
Steelers vs. Panthers Betting Pick and Prediction
My Steelers vs Panthers prediction are that if Trubisky does get the nod this week, he will either play better or get pulled quickly. I just don’t foresee a world where he can throw 3 INTS and the game away.
The Panthers have a lot to play for though, and you can never count out what that emotional motivation can do for a team. Still, I have the Steelers winning as underdogs in a close game.
This should be fun to watch, as I’m not pessimistic about the scoreline and expect way more than 38 points.
NFL Pick: Over 38.5 (-110)
NFL Pick: Steelers (+115)
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