Steelers vs. Texans Point Spread: NFL Week 4 Odds, Prediction
The 2-1 Steelers put forth another strong defensive effort last week on Sunday Night Football, defeating Las Vegas 23-18. Meanwhile C.J. Stroud picked up his first NFL victory in convincing fashion, winning on the road at Jacksonville 37-17.
This contest features a battle of young, highly-drafted quarterbacks with 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett still trying to figure things out with the Steelers, and 2023 second-overall pick C.J. Stroud so far looking like he’s worth the investment.
Kickoff at NRG Stadium goes at 1 p.m. EDT with the Steelers a three-point favourite on the road and the total at 42 on the NFL odds. Pittsburgh is also a -150 moneyline favourite
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Both teams’ actual records through three weeks also reflect their records against the spread (Pittsburgh 2-1, Houston 1-2). The Steelers have now covered and won in six of their last seven outings dating back to last season. Head-to-head, Pittsburgh is 5-1 both outright and ATS in their last six meetings with Houston. In their last seven meetings, Houston is only averaging 16.43 points per game and 242 yards of total offence.
The Texans are seeking their first home win in nine tries, last winning on home field on December 26, 2021. The Steelers have covered in each of their last five road games, and covering this week would also mean winning for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Sophomore pivot Kenny Pickett doubled his season’s touchdown output last weekend when he tossed up two touchdown strikes on the National stage in Vegas. It wasn’t a dominant night from Pittsburgh’s offence, but an improved and clean performance as they registered 333 yards of offence and zero turnovers.
The Steelers’ defence generated another three key turnovers in the victory, all coming via interceptions with Levi Wallace picking off two passes and the veteran Patrick Peterson getting in on the action too. Calvin Austin III caught his first NFL touchdown, housing a 72-yard deep deep shot from Pickett. Austin’s now second on the Steelers with 172 receiving yards, only behind George Pickens’ 238.
Houston Texans
It’s not just rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud that’s showing encouraging signs; receiver Tank Dell broke the Texans franchise record with 145 receiving yards last week, the most ever in a game by a Texans rookie. Then third-overall pick Will Anderson became the first Houston rookie to block a field goal since a fellow defensive linemen by the name of J.J. Watt.
Stroud and Dell connected on a game-sealing 68-yard score in the surprising victory at Jacksonville. It wasn’t a close or lucky win either as Houston came out on top 37-17. But perhaps the luck factor was involved in fullback Andrew Beck’s kickoff return touchdown. Beck became the heaviest player in NFL history (255 pounds) to house a kickoff.
But the most important news regarding to his tilt is Houston’s offensive line. Tackles Josh Jones and Laremy Tunsil missed practice Wednesday. If neither plays, the Texans will be down to a trio of third-string offensive linemen against T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and co.
PIT
HOU