Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023

Time: 8:20 PM ET 

Place: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas 

1-1 Steelers at 1-1 Raiders; Battle of the 500’s

In what is anticipated to be an intense clash, the Pittsburgh Steelers square off against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday Night Football. Furthermore, both teams hold a 1-1 record. The Steelers are coming off a gritty 26-22 win against the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, the Raiders are looking to bounce back from their recent stumble.

The Steelers, despite their recent victory, exhibited a struggling offense, relying heavily on their defense which scored 12 of the 26 points. Contrastingly, the Raiders have displayed vulnerabilities in their defense. In the end, they have notably struggled against the turnover-prone Buffalo Bills.

Pittsburgh Offense Recover is Week 3

Pittsburgh’s rocky start saw them losing 30-7 to the San Francisco 49ers. The match showcased the offense’s potential deficiencies, needing crucial enhancement. Pittsburgh’s connection between Kenny Pickett and George Pickens is projected to intensify. They are aiming to exploit the Raiders’ defense. The Steelers are also contemplating a reshuffling in their running game. All in all, Jaylen Warren is a likely preference over Najee Harris, intending to invoke substantial plays.

The Steelers are looking at this matchup as an opportunity for their offense to recover and to build on their defensive prowess. The team under Mike Tomlin’s seasoned coaching hopes to register another unconventional win.

Where is the Raider’s Defense

The Raiders, while equal in wins, are also experiencing their share of turmoil. This is notably seen in their defensive plays. Their inability to record a takeaway in Week 2 allowed Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills to dominate the game with 274 yards. The team’s defensive frailties, especially against tight ends, may be advantageous for the Steelers. All in all, this could potentially bring Pat Freiermuth into the offensive forefront for Pittsburgh.

Las Vegas, with a -2.5 line, is keen to fortify their defensive line to fend off the Steelers’ offensive strategy. They aim to maintain a tight hold. Additionally, they hope to avoid giving away turnovers and keep the Steelers’ evolving connections at bay.

Steelers vs. Raiders Predictions and Consensus:

The predictions are divided, with a slight leaning towards a Raiders’ win, projecting a score of Raiders 23, Steelers 20. The differing predictions reflect the anticipated closely-fought nature of the game. However, the ATS Consensus is banking on Raiders -2.5.

In this electrifying Sunday Night Football face-off, the resolve of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders will be tested. Additionally, the game is marked by the Steelers’ offensive struggles and the Raiders’ defensive lapses. Furthermore, fans and analysts will be closely watching the evolving dynamics between Kenny Pickett and George Pickens. They will also be looking at the potential strategic shifts in the running game involving Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris. The predictions are mixed. Therefore, this shows the high stakes and the closely contested nature of the game. Yet, there is still a slight inclination toward a Raiders victory.

Final Thoughts on Sunday Night Football Matchup

This Sunday Night encounter promises to be a scintillating showdown between two teams looking to rectify their respective deficiencies. The Pittsburgh Steelers, hopeful of an offensive revival, will leverage their steadfast defense. On the other hand,  the Las Vegas Raiders are looking to solidify their defense to counteract the Steelers’ onslaught. With divided predictions, the match promises unpredictability making it a must-watch for every football aficionado.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.
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