UPDATE (Dec. 23): Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger remains doubtful for this game with his high-ankle sprain, and will be a game-time decision. If Big Ben cannot make it, Charlie Batch will start for the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are saddled with a bad time to have a short week as they host the St. Louis Rams on Saturday afternoon.
Pittsburgh has still opened as 16-point favorites with a low NFL betting total of 37½ points for the matchup. FOX will have the coverage at 1:00 p.m. (ET) from Heinz Field.
The Steelers (10-4 straight up, 6-8 against the spread) played a physical game on Monday night in San Francisco, a 20-3 loss as 3-point underdogs. That means they’ll have just four days rest instead of a typical six, plus have to deal with jet lag after flying back from the West Coast.
Injuries are an even bigger concern with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger playing though a high ankle sprain. Big Ben came up small in San Fran with three interceptions and a fumble, the 52.3 QB rating his lowest this season. He was somehow able to throw for 330 yards in a gutty effort clearly affected by the injury.
Coach Mike Tomlin has a decision to make. Pittsburgh has secured at least a wild card, but needs to win out and get a Baltimore loss to take the AFC North. Roethlisberger could be sat this week for Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon to try to get healthy for the playoffs, but that would seem unlikely.
The defense continues to play hard and held San Fran to just 287 total yards and the 20 points despite the four turnovers. James Harrison will return from his 1-game league suspension, but fellow linebacker LaMarr Woodley is questionable after re-injuring his hamstring.
Pittsburgh is second in the NFL in points allowed (15.6 PPG) and has been even better the last four games (9.8 PPG). The ‘under’ is 4-0 in that span with the offense only averaging 16.3 PPG with Roethlisberger previously dealing with a thumb injury.
The Steelers are 6-1 SU (4-3 ATS) at Heinz Field, with the loss coming versus Baltimore (23-20) on November 6. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is averaging 4.6 yards per carry at home, compared to just 2.8 away, and feeding him the ball makes tons of sense giving Roethlisberger’s health.
This is a very proud and resilient team, 7-0 SU and ATS in its last seven games following a defeat.
St. Louis (2-12 SU, 2-11-1 ATS) continued its miserable season with a 20-13 home loss to the previously reeling Cincinnati Bengals. There was at least a ‘push’ of the 7-point spread after a late touchdown, although the ATS mark is still the NFL’s worst.
Coach Steve Spagnuolo will almost certainly be shown the door at season-end and the same for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The latter could reunite with Scott Pioli in Kansas City in the same capacity despite directing the NFL’s worst offense (11.9 PPG).
That offense is the main reason for the ‘under’ going 8-3 in St. Louis’ last 11 games.
While Spagnuolo will be desperately trying to win Saturday, most fans are thinking the opposite. The Colts' win last week opens the door some for the Rams or Vikings to get the No. 1 pick and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. St. Louis would likely trade it after drafting Sam Bradford two years ago, but would get a bounty in return.
Bradford (ankle) will almost definitely miss his second consecutive game and backup A.J. Feeley (thumb) is questionable. Kellen Clemens had good stats (95.7 QB rating) last week after getting picked off the scrap heap, but only engineered six points until garbage time. Going against the Steelers in their place will be a much tougher challenge.
Running back Steven Jackson had 71 rushing yards last week and was the leading receiver with 72. Getting him the ball as much as possible is the best course of action, but Pitt will be zoned in on him. The team lacks a big play receiver with no one over 554 yards and Clemens will likely be running for his life with his offensive line allowing a league-high 49 sacks this season.
The Rams have has been bad both home and away. They’re 1-6 SU and ATS on the road with the last two blowout defeats at Seattle (30-13) and San Francisco (26-0).
There’s not a lot of history between these teams with Pittsburgh 2-1 SU and ATS in the three meetings since 1996. The ‘over’ is 3-0.
Weather could have some rain and snow showers, but temperatures won’t be too bad at around 40 degrees. That’s decent news for the Rams who play their home games in a dome.