Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

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The Carolina Panthers (2-12) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) kick off Week 16 NFL action on Thursday night. The Panthers brought their seven-game losing streak to an end last week with a 19-12 victory over Arizona. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s four-game win streak was snapped with a 22-17 loss to the New York Jets.

NFL odds makers expect Pittsburgh to bounce back strong, listing the Steelers as 13.5-point favorites with the total set at 36.5.

With the offense struggling, averaging just 18.0 points over the last four games, Pittsburgh may have to rely on its defense Thursday night. The Steelers rank third in the NFL in total defense and second in scoring defense, allowing 291.8 yards and 15.7 points per game respectively. The Steelers have especially been strong against the run, leading the league at 63.4 yards per game allowed.

If the Pittsburgh defense has been susceptible at all, it’s been to the pass. The Steelers rank 24th in the league in pass defense, surrendering 228.4 yards per game through the air. Unfortunately, Carolina may not be able to to take advantage.

The Panthers rank dead last in passing offense, averaging only 149.3 yards per game. They are also bringing up the rear in total and scoring offense at 266.1 yards and 13.1 points per game respectively.

The Panthers have gotten their running attack going, breaking the century mark in seven straight games. They are averaging 167.8 yards per game on the ground the last four weeks. Unfortunately, yards figure to be tough to come by against the league’s top run-stuffing unit.

The Panthers will, however, catch a break is star safety Troy Polamalu isn’t able to go. With Polamalu out last week, the Jets became the second team this season to rush for over 100 yards on the Steelers. It is worth noting that Pittsburgh lost both of those games.

Polamalu means so much to Pittsburgh’s run defense with the way he is able to read and fill in a flash. He is currently listed as questionable for Thursday’s contest with an Achilles injury. He could potentially miss the remainder of the regular season.

It is worth noting that Pittsburgh is 0-6 against the spread the last two seasons versus poor teams that have been outscored by six or more points per game on the season. It is only defeating these teams by an average score of 21.3 to 19.5.

The defense doesn’t figure to be quite as dominant if Polamalu can’t go, but the offense should get a boost tight end Heath Miller, who is expected to return from a concussion. Miller is valuable both as a receiver and blocker. He has 28 touchdown receptions dating back to the 2005-06 season.

The key number for the Steelers this week is 14. That’s because they are a perfect 7-0 against the spread this season when they allow 14 of fewer points in a game. They are winning these games by an average score of 24.4 to 9.0.

About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!
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