NFL 'TNF' Week 9: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans betting picks and preview
The Week 9 NFL slate gets underway on "Thursday Night Football" with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing host to the Tennessee Titans.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans betting odds and preview
Spread: Steelers -2.5, Over/under: 37, Moneyline: Steelers -148 | Titans +126
After some quarterback uncertainty leading up to "TNF," we finally have some clarity under center. Kenny Pickett will play through a rib injury that knocked him out of last week's loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Will Levis will make his second NFL start after winning his debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.
As for the rest of the injury report, Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled out due to a hurt hamstring, but defensive tackle Cameron Heyward will return to the field for the first time since Week 1. The Titans will be without QB Ryan Tannehill, offensive tackle Chris Hubbard and defensive backs Roger McCreary and Mike Brown.
This is a crucial game for both teams in regard to their playoff hopes. The Steelers are 4-3 in a loaded AFC North division that features four teams with winning records, and the 3-4 Titans need a win to keep pace with the 6-2 Jaguars in the AFC South.
'Thursday Night Football' betting picks
Under 37 (-112 DraftKings)
This is a matchup between two brutal scoring offenses. The Steelers rank 30th in the NFL in touchdowns per game, while the Titans aren't much better at 25th.
Tennessee was able to score a season-high 28 points last week, but three of its four touchdowns came on deep passes from Levis. Those explosive plays can happen in a quarterback's first start with no film for the opposing team to scout, but Mike Tomlin should be able to shut Levis down by taking away the deep throws and making him move the ball more methodically. Heyward's return should help slow down Derrick Henry and the running game, too.
On the other side, Pickett hasn't been effective throwing the ball all season, and he'll be playing through a painful rib injury on Thursday night. Touchdowns will be at a premium on "Thursday Night Football."
George Pickens over 53.5 receiving yards (-110 FanDuel)
Tennessee's secondary has struggled to contain opposing wide receivers all year. The Titans rank 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per attempt, and they've let opposing WR1s torch them all season.
Pickens notched season-lows in targets (five), catches (one) and receiving yards (22) last week, but we can throw that performance out because of the heavy rain and Pickett leaving early with an injury. We're getting a discount on his receiving yards prop because of last week's dud, so let's buy the dip.
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