Steelers vs. Bears Point Spread: NFL Week 12 Odds, Prediction
After another close victory, the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET.
The Bears (7-3) picked up their third straight win as Cairo Santos made a 35-yard field goal as time expired in a 19-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Chicago improved to 5-1 in games where the final margin is five points or less. Chicago also improved its league-leading turnover differential to +16.
The Steelers (6-4) hammered the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12, despite losing Aaron Rodgers at halftime to a left-hand injury. Mason Rudolph (12 for 16, 127 yards, 1 TD) was effective in relief while the Pittsburgh defence scored two touchdowns of their own to stay alone atop the AFC North.
The big question entering this contest is whether Rodgers will play, and whether the Steelers might be better off with Rudolph under centre regardless.
The Week 12 NFL odds board has the Bears as 2.5-point favourites.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Pittsburgh is 1-3 against the spread on the road and has gone under the total four times in its past six games.
The Bears are 7-1 straight up and 6-2 against the spread in their past eight games. They have gone under the total three times in four games at Soldier Field.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rodgers, who turns 42 next month, was 9-of-15 for 116 yards before his injury against the Bengals. However, he often held onto the ball too long, as was the case on the play where his hand was injured. Maybe a brief one-week reprieve, even if he is cleared to play, would be the best thing. Rudolph is often very good in short spurts. He and the Steelers were energized when he entered the game last week.
Kyle Dugger, who came over from the New England Patriots in a trade earlier in the season, had a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown against Cincinnati. He has been a superb pickup so far, and his presence is vital to a pass defence currently last in the league, allowing 261.7 yards per game.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are 7-3 and have a -6 point differential. That tells you all you need to know about how slim their margin for error is. It’s not always pretty, but a win is a win.
Kevin Byrd II recorded his NFL-leading fifth interception last week, while Nahshon Wright added his fourth pick of the year. Wright, along with teammate Tremaine Edmunds, is in a three-way tie for second.
Causing those turnovers is crucial because Chicago’s defence is still 27th in the league in total yards allowed (364.6), and 26th in scoring defence (26.4 ppg allowed).
Who Will Win Steelers vs. Bears?
Neither team is blowing anybody away with their individual statistics and team rankings. When was the last time the Steelers were 28th in total offence and defence?
However, both division leaders find ways to win and are willing to grind it out. Chicago has been playing with fire all season, and this current three-game win streak has come by a total of 11 points.
Pittsburgh should win this game, especially if the Bears can’t hold a fourth-quarter lead again, but I believe the cardiac Bears will find a way to prevail once again, somewhere in the region of 23-20.
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