The Steelers will aim to lock it in this weekend as they host the Patriots in the marquee game on the Week 15 schedule. Pittsburgh escaped with a 39-38 victory over Baltimore last week – its eighth win in a row – while the Patriots fell a game behind with a stunning 27-20 loss to Miami.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Last week’s results didn’t convince oddsmakers that the Steelers are the better team, making them a slight underdog ahead of the biggest game of the season. Pittsburgh has struggled to appease bettors despite the lengthy winning streak, covering just once in its previous five games. Last week’s result aside, the Patriots have been a bettor’s dream, going 5-1 ATS in its last six vs. AFC opponents and 9-2 ATS in its last 11 against teams with winning records.

A healthy 60 percent of Sports Interaction participants are taking the Patriots, while 57 percent are leaning toward the over on the 53-point total. The New England defence has made the team a tremendous under play of late, with the Patriots going 1-5 O/U in their last six road games and going under the total in four straight against teams above .500. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has gone over in four straight games and is 4-0 O/U in its last four home contests.

New England Patriots

New England has enjoyed plenty of success at Heinz Field, going 5-2 in the Tom Brady era. And in typical Patriots fashion, there could be a new offensive weapon in the fold in time for Sunday, with the imminent signing of wide receiver Kenny Britt. Ball security has been a major bonus for the Patriots so far this season; they’re tied for sixth in the league with a plus-7 turnover differential thanks in large part to Brady’s paltry six interceptions through 13 games.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh has been fortunate to put together an 11-2 record despite being even in turnover differential; quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has chucked 13 interceptions, but the Pittsburgh defence has evened that out by snagging 13 INTs of its own. Red-zone execution could be a significant factor in this one, with the Steelers coming in having scored a touchdown on just 48 percent of its visits inside the opponent’s 20-yard line – ranking them 25th overall.

Patriots vs Steelers Prediction