Steelers vs. Falcons Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 3 Odds, Prediction
The Steelers romped to a 27-15 win over the Buffalo Bills last weekend, and have now claimed victory by double-digit margins in three straight preseason contests. The Falcons were forced to settled for a 13-13 tie in last week’s date with the Cincinnati Bengals, but have managed to avoid defeat in four of five August outings since 2001.
The Steelers arrive in Dixie perched as 4.5-point favourites on the NFL preseason Week 3 odds, and the total is pegged at 38.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Thursday night’s matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium marks the first preseason clash between these squads since 2017. The Steelers have claimed victory in each of their past August dates with the Falcons, capped by a 17-13 victory in their most recent preseason matchup six years ago, and have limited Atlanta to fewer than 17 points per game during their 4-0 run. The total has reached 50 in two of their four most recent August matchups, producing a 2-2 run for the OVER.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers maintained their recent dominance in preseason action with last week’s decisive victory over Buffalo, and now sport a 13-2 straight up record in their past 15 overall August contests, including a perfect 9-0 run in preseason road games. Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky handled the lion’s share of work under centre for Pittsburgh’s first two preseason contests, but with head coach Mike Tomlin announcing on Tuesday his plans to go with his starters on Thursday night, Kenny Pickett is likely to see the most playing time he has enjoyed this month.
That should also mean bigger assignment for receivers like Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson II, who have been used sparingly so far this preseason. With Najee Harris firmly entrenched as the Steelers No. 1 rusher, don’t be surprised to see Jaylen Warren draw another big assignment in the backfield after producing a spectacular 62-yard scoring run last week versus Buffalo.
Atlanta Falcons
After looking good in his first game action of the NFL preseason, Desmond Ridder was perched atop the depth chart released by the Falcons on Tuesday, and looks to see more action in Thursday’s preseason finale. Ridder connected on 7-of-9 pass attempts for 80 yards in last week’s tie with Cincinnati. However, he is not the only Falcons pivot to shine so far this month. Taylor Heinecke took a big step forward in securing the backup job by going 13-for-21 for 162 yards, while journeyman Logan Woodside turned in a second solid performance while completing four passes for 58 yards.
Injuries remain a concern as the NFL preseason winds down. Rusher Cordarrelle Patterson has been ruled out of Thursday’s action with an undisclosed ailment while star cornerback Jeff Okudah remains on the shelf with an ankle injury. The absence of Patterson opens the door for prized rookie Bijan Robinson to take on a bigger role after compiling 20 yards on just four touches in his first taste of preseason action last weekend. It should also mean another long look for recent addition Godwin Igwebuike, who has run for 131 total yards and one score in preseason action.
PIT
ATL