Arizona at Pittsburgh

Here we have a 2-6 Steelers team that has lost their last five straight by an average score of 15 to 27 versus a confident Arizona club on a roll. Yet, Pitt is favored by over a touchdown? I love it! My Matchup Power Ratings tell us that this line is WAY OFF (should be closer to a pick ‘em). Arizona’s still not getting any respect after beating two good teams. They’ve done it the old fashioned way – running the ball and solid defense. In the last two games against San Francisco and Cincinnati, the Cards have rushed the ball for 191 yards per game while holding their opponents to just 77. That’s a recipe for success. And San Francisco was 3rd in the league in rushing yards per game up that point! Pittsburgh enters this game averaging just 89 per game on the ground, ranked 29th in the league. I expect Pittsburgh to continue to have troubles on the ground, forcing them into a one-dimensional offense. Pittsburgh’s defense is the only thing clicking, ranked 2nd in the league. In what should be a defensive battle, give me the team with the much better running game and the positive, confident attitude and 7.5 points any day. On top of that, the Steelers are 3-11 against the spread in their last 14 as home favorites.