Steelers vs Saints NFL Week 16 Lines & Game Preview.

Steelers vs Saints NFL Week 16 Lines & Game Preview

Written by on December 20, 2018

While every fan would love to see their team clinch a playoff spot as quickly as possible, the reality of today’s NFL is that a lot of them are going to be forced to sweat it out until the final week of the season. The parity in the league right now is amazing, which is why more than half of the 12 playoff spots are still up for grabs with just 2 weeks left in the season. The teams still in the hunt can probably look back at a couple of losses this year that they could easily have won, making things easier for themselves right now.

That is certainly true of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who gassed a couple of leads late in the game during the past month. They are in control of their own destiny right now, but that could potentially change with a loss in New Orleans this weekend. The Saints are already safely into the postseason, although they will be looking to lock up one of the top two spots in the NFC. The Saints are a 6-point favorite for this one, with the point total set at 53.

Steelers vs Saints NFL Week 16 Lines & Game Preview

Texans vs Eagles NFL Week 16 Odds & Game Preview

Weather Forecast

  • Mostly Cloudy: 19°C/66°F
  • Humidity: 71%
  • Precipitation: 4%
  • Cloud Cover: 78%
  • Wind: 6 mph SSW
  • Stadium Type: Indoor

Why bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Steelers went into Week 15 on a 3-game losing skid and the knowledge that they could drop down to the #8 spot with a loss to the New England Patriots. That threat seemed to light a fire under Pittsburgh, as they turned in what was arguably their best performance of the season, particularly on defense, where they held Brady and company to just 10 points.

That pressure could be back on again this weekend if the Baltimore Ravens can find a way to win on the road to the Chargers, but a loss for the Ravens would allow Pittsburgh to clinch the division with the win. The Steelers have excelled as the underdog this season, covering in all 4 games in which they were hit with that tag, with 3 of those games coming on the road.

Team Stats

Offense
  • Average Score For: 27.43
  • Total Yards: 405.79
  • Rush Yards: 93.93
  • Passing Yards: 311.86
Defense
  • Average Score Against: 22.57
  • Total Yards: 333.72
  • Rush Yards: 96.86
  • Passing Yards: 236.86

Why bet on the New Orleans Saints?

The New Orleans Saints have long since clinched the division and their playoff spot, but it’s fair to suggest that there has been a bit of a letdown in the past 3 weeks. Yes, the Saints have won back to back games since losing to the Cowboys on Thursday night a few weeks back, but the wins over Tampa Bay and Carolina have been less than convincing.

Steelers vs Saints is going to be an offensive battle.

New Orleans will be coming into this one on a short week after playing in the Monday night game, so you wonder what kind of effect that is going to have on them at this late stage of the season. The Saints have covered the spread in 7 of the 11 games they were the favorite, but they are just 3-2 ATS as a home favorite this season.

Team Stats

Offense
  • Average Score For: 32.79
  • Total Yards: 385.43
  • Rush Yards: 127.43
  • Passing Yards: 258.50
Defense
  • Average Score Against: 20.86
  • Total Yards: 341.57
  • Rush Yards: 79.14
  • Passing Yards: 262.43

Buccaneers vs Cowboys NFL Week 16 Odds & Expert Prediction

Steelers vs Saints NFL Week 16 Betting Trends

  • Pittsburgh is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
  • Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games
  • New Orleans is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games
  • New Orleans is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans’s last 5 games

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Steelers vs Saints

Combined, these two teams are 1-9 O/U over their last 5 games, yet I think this one might just sneak over. I am also putting the Saints on upset alert here, as I think Pittsburgh might steal this.

Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 30 – New Orleans Saints 27