Steelers Now
The oddsmakers don’t have high hopes the Pittsburgh Steelers can get back in the win column this week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered their fourth loss in the last six games in Week 12, falling to the Chicago Bears 31-28. Unfortunately, the oddsmakers don’t think their luck is going to take a turn for the better any time soon, either.
The Steelers have opened up as 4.5-point underdogs for their Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills, according to odds posted by DraftKings Sportsbook. Pittsburgh has a +188 money line, and the over/under total for the game is 47.5 points.
It’s not surprising given how the Steelers have been playing as of late. Their highest-paid defense in the league continues to struggle while the offense lacks consistency.
Part of the offense’s struggles this week was likely due to the absence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who continues to work his way back from a fractured left wrist, which he suffered late in the first half of their Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, head coach Mike Tomlin believes Rodgers has a good chance to play against the 7-4 Bills.
“I anticipate him being ready for next week,” he said. “It was a prudent decision to make. Certainly it wasn’t a fluid week for him, it was a fluid week for Mason [Rudolph] in terms of reps, and so I think it’ll be in our rear view as we move forward. I’m hopeful of that.”
Rudolph completed 24 of his 31 passes (77.4%) for 171 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 86.9 in a losing effort. He also had a crucial fumble after being sacked by Montez Sweat, which resulted in a turnover.
Only time will tell if Rodgers can provide better play while still nursing his injury, but the Steelers need some kind of spark to turn their season back around.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Chicago.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Open as Home Underdogs For Week 13 Matchup vs. Bills
