Jaguars Plan on Getting Defensive as Steelers Visit Town
The Jacksonville Jaguars, (2-2 SU, 1-3-0 ATS, 2-2-0 O/U), have won two straight games in the BetUS Sportsbook, including Sunday’s 30-27 overtime victory over the Houston Texans.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, (3-1 SU, 1-3-0 ATS, 2-2-0 O/U), also won in overtime last week, squeaking by the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 on Monday.
Now, the teams will meet in an important early-season contest that could go a long way toward deciding the participants of the AFC playoffs, even at this early juncture of the regular season.
The Steelers came back from a 10-point deficit to beat Baltimore, but lost running back Rashard Mendenhall for the remainder of the regular season.
“Injuries always happen at a bad time,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “They’re part of the game. I’m not going to complain about them and go `Woe is me.'”
The Jaguars also have their share of injuries with starting linebacker Justin Durant and safety Reggie Nelson both hurting coming into this contest.
The Steelers are fourth in the NFL in rush defense, allowing just 74.0 yards per game and second in total defense, giving up just 236.3 total yards per contest.
Jacksonville is ranked just 23rd in total offense, averaging 302.5 total yards per game and 21st in scoring, averaging 19.8 points per game.
Quarterback David Garrard completed 23 of 32 passes for 236 yards while passing for one touchdown and rushing for the game-winning score late in the fourth quarter.
Here is a look at the game’s key betting trends, followed by my analysis and NFL Free Picks.
The Steelers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
The Steelers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games in Week
The Jaguars are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
The Jaguars are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 5.
The Over is 5-1 in Steelers last 6 games following a ATS loss.
The Over is 5-1 in Jaguars last 6 games in Week 5.
The Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Jacksonville.
The Home team is 15-5 ATS in their last 20 meetings.
The Steelers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
NFL Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers +4 -105
Jacksonville Jaguars -4 -115
Over 36½ -110
Under 36½ -110
Analysis: I’m going to encourage all BetUS NFL Sportsbook bettors to take the Pittsburgh Steelers to cover the spread in what looks like a classic field goal game. With two powerful defense also taking the field, I also like the ‘Under’.
