Steelers vs Colts Betting Trends, Odds, and Insights - December 16th, 2023

a year ago

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In a highly-anticipated matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday at 4:30 PM ET. This rare Saturday game is expected to draw a larger audience, adding more pressure for both teams to secure a victory.

The Steelers will enter the game with two extra days of rest, providing them with ample time to prepare and recover. On the other hand, the Colts will have one less day of rest, which may affect their preparation and recovery for the game.

Both teams have similar records this season, with the Steelers boasting a 7-6 record and the Colts also standing at 7-6. However, recent performance tells a different story. The Colts have been playing exceptionally well, winning four out of their last five games. In contrast, the Steelers have struggled, losing three of their last four games.

In their previous game, the Steelers suffered a narrow defeat against the New England Patriots, losing 21-18. The loss was particularly surprising as the Steelers were considered 5.5 point favorites with a 69% chance of winning, making it a significant upset.

The last time these two teams faced each other was in Week 12 of the 2022 season. The Steelers emerged victorious with a road win, defeating the Colts 24-17. The game was highly competitive, coming down to a single touchdown.

As the Colts enjoy home-field advantage, they are considered slight favorites for this matchup. The odds suggest that the Colts have a 51% chance of winning, while the Steelers have a 49% chance. Initially, the spread opened with the Colts favored by 2.5 points, but it has since shifted to Colts -1, marking a significant move and making it the third biggest line move on the slate.

Steelers Insights

When it comes to opening holes for runners (and the importance it has on all run game stats), the O-line of the Pittsburgh Steelers grades out as the 10th-best in the NFL last year.
After totaling 89.0 air yards per game last season, Diontae Johnson has posted big gains this season, currently sitting at 97.0 per game.
Our trusted projections expect Pat Freiermuth to compile 0.30 receiving TDs in this week's contest, on balance, ranking him in the 96th percentile among tight ends.

Colts Insights

This game will be played in a dome—meaning no wind, increased pass volume, increased touchdown potential, and increased passing effectiveness.
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers rank as the 2nd-best unit in football this year when it comes to rushing the passer.
The Steelers pass defense has not been good when opposing TEs have gotten into space, allowing an average of 5.39 yards-after-the-catch this year: the 9th-most in the NFL.

Betting Trends

The Indianapolis Colts have hit the Game Total Over in 7 of their last 9 games at home (+4.80 Units / 48% ROI)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit the Moneyline in 14 of their last 20 games (+6.55 Units / 23% ROI)