Steelers Open as Slight Favorites Against Patriots in Week 3

The oddsmakers believe the Pittsburgh Steelers will bounce back against the New England Patriots in Week 3.

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a very disappointing 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in their Week 2 home opener. However, the oddsmakers seem to believe they have a good chance to bounce back on the road next week.

According to DraftKings Network, the Steelers have opened up as 1.5-point favorites over the New England Patriots in Week 3. Pittsburgh has -115 odds on the money line. New England is -105, and the over/under point total for the game is 44.5 points.

The biggest question for the Steelers heading into the game will be their health as injuries continued to pil up against the Seahawks.

The defense entered the game without rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and strong safety DeShon Elliott and then lost outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk to in-game injuries. Linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson also played through ailments at obviously less than 100%.

Pittsburgh’s offense didn’t do any favors, either. The unit mustered just 267 total yards and 13 first downs on the afternoon while quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 203 yards, one touchdown and two costly interceptions.

The four-time NFL MVP is not worried, though.

“It’s been two weeks,” Rodgers said. “Last week we were 100% in the red zone. So, this week we weren’t, so. I think we need to take it easy. It’s a small sample size.”

Meanwhile, the Patriots are coming off their first win of the season, and 2024 No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye continued to look like the real deal, completing 19 of his 23 passes for 230 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

However, it will be New England’s ground attack that the Steelers will attempt slow down first. Pittsburgh has now allowed back-to-back 100-plus rushing yard performances to running backs Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker, which could set up a big day for Rhamondre Stevenson and/or second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Open as Slight Favorites Against Patriots in Week 3