Sunday, December 9, 2007

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (Pats -10½, Total 48)

Venue: Gillette Field (artificial)

Opening Line: Pats 14½, Total 50

Records: Pats 12-0 (9-3-0 ATS, 10-2-0 O/U)
Steelers 9-3 (7-5-0 ATS, 5-7-0 O/U)

Key Injuries

Patriots - Questionable: G Steve Neal (shoulder) and S Rashad Baker (ankle) Probable: QB Tom Brady (shoulder)

Steelers - Doubtful S Troy Polamalu (knee) Questionable: LBs LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) and Andre Frazier (groin) Probable: RB Najeh Davenport (foot) and LB James Harrison (personal)

Trends

- Pittsburgh has a 1-6 ATS record in their last seven games against New England, including a 0-3 ATS mark in playoff meetings.

- The Patriots have dropped three out of it's last four ATS.

- Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have produced 2 overs and 5 unders vs. non-divisional opponents.

WOL Playcall: The Eagles and Ravens have shown that teams can slow the Pats down if the defense smacks the offense in the mouth but Troy Polamalu's possible absence means less in the hits department. New England head coach Bill Belichick always likes listing Tom Brady as Probable with a shoulder injury so think nothing of it.

The books have once again set a relatively steep line so look for the Steelers to cover the 10½-points.

Steelers at Pats, Colts at Ravens, Saints at Falcons