The “Thursday Night Football” game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers is drawing significant attention in the betting world, primarily due to its notably low over/under total. The total dipped to 29.5 earlier this week at ESPN BET before settling at a consensus 30 at sportsbooks as of Thursday morning. This is particularly noteworthy as it’s the lowest over/under since a 2006 divisional playoff game between the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears, which also had a total of 30.
- Bailey Zappe (QB, Patriots)
- Projection: 200 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- This will be just his fourth career start, and the Steelers might exploit his relative inexperience by focusing on pass defense strategies like batting down passes.
- Mitch Trubisky (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Projection: 180 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Byline: Starting in place of injured Kenny Pickett, Trubisky faces a challenge against the Patriots’ stingy defense. His performance is crucial for the Steelers, especially given the low scoring expectations of the game. Trubisky’s ability to manage the game effectively and avoid turnovers will be key to Pittsburgh’s success. His recent performance trends and the Patriots’ defensive strength suggest a cautious approach to his play, focusing more on efficient, short-yardage passing rather than high-risk deep throws.
- Najee Harris (RB, Steelers)
- Projection: 70 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Najee Harris is anticipated to play despite a knee concern. However, Jaylen Warren might also see significant touches due to his impressive average of six yards per touch this season. The Steelers might look to utilize Warren’s quicker hitting of the holes against the Patriots’ robust run defense.
- Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers)
- Projection: 50 rushing yards, 30 receiving yards
- Warren could see increased touches and exploit his speed against the Patriots’ defense.
- Diontae Johnson (WR, Steelers)
- Projection: 60 receiving yards
- The Steelers WR’s should have opportunities against Patriots CB J.C. Jackson, who has allowed a fair number of receptions and touchdowns since rejoining the Patriots.
- George Pickens (WR, Steelers)
- Projection: 55 receiving yards
- Similar to Johnson, Pickens’ performance will hinge on how effectively the Steelers’ passing game operates with Mitch Trubisky.
- Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Patriots)
- Projection: 60 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards
- As the expected workhorse for the Patriots, Elliott’s performance in both the running and passing game will be crucial.
- JaMycal Hasty (RB, Patriots)
- Projection: 30 rushing yards, 25 receiving yards
- Hasty could be an important player in the passing game, especially with the Patriots looking to exploit matchups.