This Sunday afternoon, a storied rivalry will unfold once again as the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2; 3-2-0 ATS) face off against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3; 2-3-0 ATS) at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. EST. The Steelers have claimed victory over the Raiders in their last two encounters, including a close match last year that ended 23-18 in Las Vegas. Will Pittsburgh extend their winning streak to three games, or are the Raiders poised to turn the tables?
Steelers Struggling to Find Their Groove
After starting strong with a 3-0 record, the Steelers have faltered, losing two consecutive games by three points each. Their earlier advantage in the AFC North has slipped away, and they must revitalize their offense to regain momentum. Currently, they average just 18.4 points per game, ranking 26th in the league, alongside 299.4 total yards, which places them 23rd.Justin Fields is expected to be under center again, although Russell Wilson is on the mend and might come in for a lift during the game if needed. Despite the focus on quarterback performance, the team’s reliance on a run-heavy strategy is concerning; they rank 29th in yards per carry at 3.7. Consistent rushing plays remain elusive for this squad, while their passing game manages an average of 7.2 yards per attempt, placing them 15th. Fields has taken 13 sacks, and the offense has only turned the ball over four times. The key question for Sunday is whether they can ignite their ground game.
The Steelers are typically strong defensively, and this season is no exception. They allow opponents a mere 14.6 points per game, the second-lowest in the league. Additionally, they rank among the top 10 in several defensive categories, including yards allowed per game (8th) and takeaways (tied for 7th). Their run defense is particularly effective, limiting opponents to 4.7 yards per carry, which is the third-best mark in the NFL. However, they struggle against the pass, permitting 7.5 yards per attempt, putting them at 25th in that category. Led by T.J. Watt, who has contributed to their 13 sacks, the Steelers aim to bounce back after allowing over 20 points in their last two outings. Will their defense rise to the occasion against the Raiders?
Key Injuries – Pat Freiermuth (questionable); Alex Highsmith (out); Jaylen Warren (doubtful)
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Raiders Seeking a Turnaround
The Raiders find themselves in a curious position, having alternated wins and losses throughout the season. Davante Adams is at the center of ongoing trade speculation. This week, Aidan O’Connell steps in as the starting quarterback, replacing Gardner Minshew. Head Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco are in the early stages of reshaping the Raiders’ identity.
While the offense has its challenges, the defensive unit has emerged as the primary concern. They enter this matchup allowing an alarming 28.2 points per game, ranking 28th in the league. Opponents manage to gain an average of 4.9 yards per carry against them, placing the Raiders 26th in that category. In pass defense, they allow 7.0 yards per attempt, which ranks in the middle of the pack. With only two takeaways all season, they are tied for the fewest in the NFL, and their pass rush has mustered just 11 sacks. The Raiders have let their opponents score over 20 points in four of their five games. Can Las Vegas compete effectively this Sunday?
Offensively, the Raiders have not met expectations. They rank 23rd in scoring with an average of 19.2 points per game and 24th in total yards at 297.0. With nine turnovers, they have struggled to maintain possession, tied for the league’s worst before Seattle’s recent turnover issues. The offensive line has surrendered 17 sacks, marking them as 28th in that category. They average 3.9 yards per rush (28th) and 6.9 yards per pass attempt (21st). With numerous starters dealing with injuries, will the change at quarterback ignite their performance this Sunday?
Key Injuries – Zamir White (questionable); Davante Adams (questionable); Jakobi Meyers (questionable); Kolton Miller (questionable); Dylan Parhman (questionable); Thayer Munford Jr. (questionable); Maxx Crosby (questionable); Tommy Eichenberg (questionable)
Strategic Betting Insights for Steelers vs. Raiders
The Raiders’ struggles against the run could play to the advantage of the Steelers, who rank among the top five teams in rushing attempts. Pittsburgh is likely to find offensive success, potentially surpassing 20 points, as many of Vegas’ previous opponents have. Given their solid defense, the Steelers may not need to score much more than that to secure a win.
Only one team has managed to score over 20 points against Pittsburgh this season. Their formidable pass rush is expected to exploit a vulnerable Raiders offensive line. Las Vegas poses little threat in the run game. The turnover battle is likely to favor Pittsburgh heavily. This weekend, the Steelers aim to break their losing streak with a crucial victory, expected to win by more than a field goal.
