The Steelers opened the week as dogs, but now find themselves marginal favourites - although they're a pick 'em with many books.
The Cowboys are 0-9 ATS at home and that run may continue.
Pittsburgh have kept their last seven opponents to 200 yards or fewer
passing, but have a badly nicked up secondary and their pass rush will
need to be effective to keep Romo from exposing them deep. However, the
Dallas O line has been awful and Romo will need to use all his talents
at extending plays to keep the chains moving.
A strong run game would help, but the Cowboys haven't got the ground
game going all year, for a number of reasons, and the Steelers are a
fine run stopping unit, ranking 4th in the NFL. Dez Bryant's injury is a
blow for Dallas - as the receiver who has the most rapport with Romo he
needs to produce today, broken index finger and all.
Ben Roethlisberger looked pretty gimpy last week, but he can tough
it out in the pocket and has all his receivers fit against a pass
defense that has stumbled recently. Once again, the issue for the
quarterback will be his offensive line which was horrible against San
Diego and Ben has lost LG Willie Colon; never good with DeMarcus Ware
about. That said, the Pittsburgh receivers put the ball on the floor too
often last week and if they can only hold on to the rock, they should
put up some yards.
Injuries to Jay Ratliff, Sean Lee and Bruce Carter have further
weakened the home team's 15th ranked run defense, and it will be
interesting to see how Jonathan Dwyer fares: he's a talented back, but
Pittsburgh have problems along the interior of the line. That said,
Dallas have given up a lot of yards on the ground recently.
Pittsburgh look more complete to me on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers @ 1.91
Pick: 1st TD Dez Bryant @ 10
Pick: Anytime TD Heath Miller @ 2.38
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