Steelers vs. Eagles Prediction: Pittsburgh is Overmatched in the Trenches
By Josh Yourish
It’s a cross-state and cross-conference matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. The Eagles were on their bye in Week 7, sitting at 6-0, while the Steelers were desperately trying to move the ball against Miami on Sunday Night Football. Kenny Pickett found a way to throw back-to-back interceptions in the 16-10 loss.
The Steelers four-game gauntlet comes to an end this week. Pittsburgh managed to steal one from Tampa Bay, but if they can split a four-game stretch with the Bills, Bucs, Dolphins, and Eagles, then Mike Tomlin’s non-losing seasons streak could be back on. Vegas doesn’t think Pittsburgh can pull it off, so let’s take a look at the odds.
Steelers vs. Eagles Odds, Spread and Total
Steelers vs. Eagles Odds, Spread and Total Movement
The Eagles opened as 10-point favorites, and the line has moved up half a point at some sportsbooks to 10.5. The total has just ticked down a half point from 44 to 43.5.
Steelers vs. Eagles Prediction and Pick
The Eagles have one of the better pass rushes in the league, but Howie Roseman wasn’t satisfied, so he added Robert Quinn from the Bears for a fourth round pick. Quinn had 18.5 sacks last season and will be a huge part of their pass rush rotation up front. That is bad news for Pittsburgh, who has one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Three of the Steelers starters earned pass block grades in the 40s last week according to PFF.
The Steelers defense is also 18th in rush yards allowed per game which is a good sign for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles run game. Philly is sixth in the league in rushing yards per game and over the past few years, that has been the way to beat the Steelers. The Eagles are a heavy Run-Pass Option (RPO) team and that was shown to be really effective for Miami, especially early in the game. Pittsburgh was able to adjust because Tua did not want to hang onto the ball long, but Jalen Hurts will have no issue sitting back and letting things develop or taking off to run.
This game will be won in the trenches and the Eagles have the best offensive line in football and continue to beef up their defensive front. Pittsburgh just doesn’t have enough talent to hang around in this game and I think Kenny Pickett will be thoroughly overmatched in his homecoming game. Yes, he’s from New Jersey, just outside the Philadelphia area and not from Pittsburgh.
Again, I refuse to bet against the Steelers as a lifelong fan, but I strongly advise you to do so.
Pick: Eagles -10 (-110)
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change