PREMIUM
Rogers' Monday Night Massacre - 37-21-1 Run L14 Days!
(NFL) Pittsburgh vs. Washington,
09/12/2016 3:10 PM, Score: 38 - 16
Point Spread: -2.50 | -103.00 Pittsburgh (Away)
Result: Win
Point Spread: -2.50 | -103.00 Pittsburgh (Away)
Result: Win
Pittsburgh: The Steelers were 10-6 last season, qualifying for the postseason for the 16th time in the last 24 years. Pittsburgh rose to prominence with its "Steel Curtain" defense in the 1970s and for most of the last four-plus decades, has been known for its defense. However, the Steelers are now more of an offensive juggernaut, with QB Big Ben leading the league with an average of 328.2 YPG in 2015 and Troy Brown developing into the NFL's most dominant WR with 375 receptions and 31 TD catches from 2013-15. Pittsburgh will be without star RB La'Veon Bell (suspended for the first three games) but DeAngelo Williams was more than a capable replacement last season, rushing for 11 TDs and 907 yards. That once feared Pittsburgh defense has shown cracks the last few seasons, especially last year's Pass "D," which allowed 279.1 YPG (ranked 30th).
Washington: While Pittsburgh's been in the postseason 16 times over the last 24 seasons, playing in four Super Bowls and winning two since 1992, the 1992 season was the last time the Washington Redskins made the playoffs in consecutive years. The ‘Skins look to get back to the playoffs again in 2016, after winning the NFC East last year with a 9-7 record. Washington was the only team to finish above .500 in its division and did not beat a single opponent with a winning record. The Redskins were outclassed by Super Bowl contenders Carolina and New England in the second half of the season and then lost 35-18 at home in the postseason to Green Bay. The good news coming into 2016 is that Kirk Cousins thrived in his first full season as the starter, becoming the first QB in franchise history to throw for at least 4,000 yards (4,166) and 25 TDs (29). He has one of the league's top TEs in Jordan Reed (87 receptions and 11 TDs) but Washington's running game is suspect (97.9 YPG on 3.7 YPC). As for the defense, it ranked 28th last year in allowing 380.6 YPG.
The pick: Cousins threw 15 TD passes during his last seven regular season home games last season without an interception. Washington won six of those games but as noted above, none came over a winning team. Pittsburgh is without Bell but in DeAngelo Williams, the Steelers arguably own the leagues best backup at the RB position. Washington allowed 4.8 YPC on the ground last year and that should open things up nicely for Big Ben. Pittsburgh's 41 wins in Week 1 are the most by any AFC team and expect the Steelers to add another win here. Pittsburgh is an 8* play.
Washington: While Pittsburgh's been in the postseason 16 times over the last 24 seasons, playing in four Super Bowls and winning two since 1992, the 1992 season was the last time the Washington Redskins made the playoffs in consecutive years. The ‘Skins look to get back to the playoffs again in 2016, after winning the NFC East last year with a 9-7 record. Washington was the only team to finish above .500 in its division and did not beat a single opponent with a winning record. The Redskins were outclassed by Super Bowl contenders Carolina and New England in the second half of the season and then lost 35-18 at home in the postseason to Green Bay. The good news coming into 2016 is that Kirk Cousins thrived in his first full season as the starter, becoming the first QB in franchise history to throw for at least 4,000 yards (4,166) and 25 TDs (29). He has one of the league's top TEs in Jordan Reed (87 receptions and 11 TDs) but Washington's running game is suspect (97.9 YPG on 3.7 YPC). As for the defense, it ranked 28th last year in allowing 380.6 YPG.
The pick: Cousins threw 15 TD passes during his last seven regular season home games last season without an interception. Washington won six of those games but as noted above, none came over a winning team. Pittsburgh is without Bell but in DeAngelo Williams, the Steelers arguably own the leagues best backup at the RB position. Washington allowed 4.8 YPC on the ground last year and that should open things up nicely for Big Ben. Pittsburgh's 41 wins in Week 1 are the most by any AFC team and expect the Steelers to add another win here. Pittsburgh is an 8* play.
