New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Week 14 – The 2-10 New England Patriots travel on the road for a Week 14 NFL clash against the 7-5 Pittsburgh Steelers for a crucial week 14 matchup, both needing a win to ensure playoff qualification. Patriots fans hoping to salvage their season will face stiff opposition in Pittsburgh Steelers hoping to strengthen their playoff hopes; get our free NFL picks and betting analysis for Patriots vs Steelers below.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Date & Time: Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium
TV: AMZN
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Week 14 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Patriots | +6.5 -114 | +220 | 35 over -111 |
| Steelers | -6.5 -110 | -270 | 35 under -111 |
New England Patriots Analysis
The Patriots offense has struggled mightily this season, especially in the passing game. Quarterback Mac Jones has just 10 touchdown passes compared to 12 interceptions, while averaging only 192.7 passing yards per contest. His top receiving weapon, Demario Douglas, is averaging a decent 41 receiving yards per game but has yet to record a touchdown. The ground game has been a bit better with Rhamondre Stevenson averaging 52.7 rushing yards per game and scoring 4 times. But the Patriots offense as a whole ranks 30th in the NFL at just 17.5 points per game. They’ll need to find a way to put up points against a solid Pittsburgh defense.
Defensively, the Patriots have allowed the 9th most points per game at 25.5. The secondary has been inconsistent, giving up too many big plays downfield. The run defense has actually been decent, holding teams under 120 rushing yards per contest. But New England has struggled to get pressure and ranks 31st in the NFL with just 16 sacks. Generating more of a pass rush could help take pressure off the defensive backs. Overall, the Patriots defense must cut down on allowing so many points.
Pittsburgh Steelers Analysis
Pittsburgh’s offense has steadily improved behind rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett is averaging 181.8 passing yards per game with 6 touchdowns and 4 picks, while completing 61.8% of his throws. His top target has been rookie wideout George Pickens, who’s averaging 60.2 receiving yards per contest and has 3 touchdown grabs. On the ground, Najee Harris leads the way with 54.4 rushing yards per game and 4 scores. As a team, the Steelers rank 21st averaging 19.5 points per game. But they’ve scored at least 20 points in four straight contests. Continuing that solid output could be enough against New England’s struggling defense.
The Steelers defense has generally been strong, holding opponents to 20.5 points per game (8th fewest in NFL). They are giving up under 100 rushing yards per game while tallying 31 sacks, led by pass rusher T.J Watt’s 7.5. The secondary has also held up well, limiting big pass plays for the most part. Pittsburgh must continue containing the run and getting after the quarterback to make life difficult on rookie QB Jones. If the Steelers defense plays to its potential, that gives the Pittsburgh offense a chance to put up enough points to secure a win.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Against the Spread
The Patriots have struggled against the spread recently, going 0-5 ATS over their last 5 contests. Nine of their last 11 games have gone under the total as well. However, New England has performed well ATS against Pittsburgh, covering in 13 of their previous 19 meetings. The total has also gone under in 6 of the Steelers’ last 7 matchups with the Patriots.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has covered in 11 of their past 16 games overall. The total has gone under in 9 of the Steelers’ previous 10 matchups. At home, 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 contests have gone under the number. And when hosting New England, the under is 5-0 in the Steelers’ past 5 meetings.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Free Pick
Based on the Patriots’ offensive struggles and the Steelers playing well at home, Pittsburgh should have the advantage. Lay the 6.5 points with the Steelers covering at home. Pickett continues to make strides while the Pittsburgh defense should contain the New England offense.
For the total, take the under 35. The Patriots’ offense lacks firepower to put up many points. And Pittsburgh’s defense should slow down New England enough to keep this one under the number. Nine of the last 11 Patriots’ games have gone under after all.
Predicted Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, New England Patriots 13
The most reliable picks look to be Pittsburgh -6.5 for the spread and under 35 for the total. The Steelers defense matches up well against this Patriots offense and should help Pittsburgh cover at home. And with New England struggling so much to score, the under seems like an excellent bet here. Check out the best betting sites in Canada for the best odds on this Week 14 NFL matchup.
