HOUSTON (3 - 3) at PITTSBURGH (3 - 3) - 10/20/2014, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) in October games since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 59-36 ATS (+19.4 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
HOUSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games
Houston is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Pittsburgh's last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home
Houston at Pittsburgh
Houston: 15-4 ATS after allowing 400 or more total yards/game in their last 3 games
Pittsburgh: 8-1 UNDER in October games
Houston @ Pittsburgh
The Texans are 6-10 ATS as dogs, 1-6 ATS on Monday night football and 21-31 ATS in weeks 5 through 9, but 39-24 ATS off 2 or more consecutive losses and 24-18 ATS off a divisional loss. Houston is 17-10 Under versus AFC North opponents. The Steelers are 14-20 ATS as home favorites of 3 points or less and 11-17 ATS versus AFC South opponents, but they’re also 14-9 ATS at home with a total of 42½ to 45 points, 20-14 ATS on Monday night football and 51-32 ATS playing in October. Pittsburgh is 24-14 Over as home favorites of 3 points or less and 8-4 Over after a divisional game, but 17-11 Under versus AFC opponents and 9-2 Under in weeks 5 through 9. In this series 3 of the last 4 meetings ahve gone Over the total
NFL Week 7
Texans (3-3) @ Steelers (3-3) — Pitt is struggling badly, losing to Bucs/Browns in last three weeks, with 17-9 win at Jacksonville in between; Steelers scored total of just 27 points (two TD’s on 21 drives) in last two games, despite converting 20 of last 46 on 3rd down. Houston lost three of last four games after 2-0 start; they’re 6-5-1 in last dozen games as road dog, 1-0 this year. Teams split four series games, only one of which was decided by less than 18 points; Texans won 24-6, lost 38-17 in two visits here, last of which was in ’08. AFC South non-divisional underdogs are 3-5 vs spread; AFC North non-divisional home teams are 4-1-1; non-divisional favorites are 5-2-2. Remember that over is 15-4 in primetime games this season.
Armadillosports.com
Monday Night Football Betting Preview: Texans at Steelers
By Covers.com
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 44.5)
Two of the league's top rushers go head-to-head when Le'Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers play host to Arian Foster and the Houston Texans on Monday night in a matchup of .500 teams. Bell ranks second in the league in rushing for the Steelers, who are plagued by a defense surrendering big plays both through the air and on the ground. Foster is third in the NFL for the Texans, who are in the midst of a two-game skid.
J.J. Watt may be having an MVP-type season but the Texans have yet to make good on their promising start. After winning just twice last year, Houston already has three wins but have since surrendered 694 yards through the air dropping back-to-back decisions to Dallas and Indianapolis. Aside from Watt, Houston is struggling ranked 27th in the league in total defense.
LINE HISTORY: The Steelers opened as 4-point home favorites and have been bet down to -3. The total opened at 44.5, moved up to 45 for a short while before settling back at 44.5.
INJURY REPORT: Houston - LB Brian Cushing (probable Monday, knee), LB Jeff Tarpinian (questionable Monday, knee), LB Brooks Reed (questionable Monday, groin), LB Jadeveon Clowney (questionable Monday, knee), DB Darryl Morris (questionable Monday, ankle), LB Mike Mohamed (questionable Monday, calf), G Brandon Brooks (questionable Monday, ankle). Pittsburgh - WR Martavis Bryant (questionable Monday, shoulder), LB Ryan Shazzier (questionable Monday, knee), S Shamarko Thomas (questionable Monday, hamstring), S Mike Mitchell (questionable Monday, knee), DE Brett Kiesel (questionable Monday, knee), NT Steve McLendon (out Monday, shoulder).
WEATHER REPORT: There is a 54 percent chance of rain at game time, with temperatures in the low 50's. There will also be a 10 mile per hour wind blowing towards the north endzone.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Houston (+1) - Pittsburgh (+2) + home field (-3) = Pittsburgh -2
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Despite having identical 3-3 SU records, the Texans are actually 0-6 in the stats this season, being out gained by all six opponents in total yardage. The Steelers are 4-2 in the stats, outgaining four of their six opponents so far. Houston has the advantage of extra prep and rest time since they played their last game on a Thursday night nearly two weeks ago. The Texans are the most public underdog play this week in the NFL based on the public consensus and it has affected the line with the opening pointspread dropping from +4 down to the key number of +3 now. This has been a critical move as there is nearly a 14% chance that NFL favorites will win by either a 3 or 4 point margin." Covers Expert Steve Merrill.
ABOUT THE TEXANS (3-3, 4-2 ATS, 3-3 O/U): Houston hopes to get back the services of rookie linebacker and No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney following knee surgery to bolster its pass defense. It could reap instant rewards as Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 11 times in the past three games. Offensively, the Texans have had their problems through the air as Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown six interceptions and just three touchdowns in his past four games.
ABOUT THE STEELERS (3-3, 2-4 ATS, 3-3 O/U): Pittsburgh hopes the beginning of a three-game homestand will remedy a shaky start which finds them sitting in the AFC North cellar. The Steelers have alternated wins and losses since starting the season with a 30-27 victory over Cleveland but lost to the Browns last week as Roethlisberger recorded a season-low 64.4 rating and threw his first interception in the last four games. Bell remains consistent, averaging 5.2 yards a carry, and star receiver Antonio Brown is just three yards behind Green Bay's Jordy Nelson for the league lead.
TRENDS:
* Texans are 0-6 ATS in their last six Monday night games.
* Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
* Under is 5-0 in the Texans last five games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 7-0 in the Steelers last seven games in October.
COVERS CONSENSUS: Just over 59 percent of wagers are backing the Texans at +3.
MNF - Texans at Steelers
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The Steelers and Texans each own 3-3 records, as the two teams meet up to finish the Week 7 NFL card. Both these teams lost last week, as each of these clubs are trying not to be left out of the playoff discussion with six AFC squads owning an above .500 record at the close of this week’s action.
Pittsburgh is sitting at the bottom of the AFC North after getting plowed at Cleveland, 31-10 last Sunday as a 2½-point underdog. The Steelers split the season series with the Browns, but since Pittsburgh led Cleveland, 27-3 at halftime of the season opener, the Browns outscored the Steelers, 55-13 in the final six quarters of their matchups. A 21-point second quarter barrage by Cleveland put last week’s game away, as the Browns rushed for three touchdowns and won in spite of Brian Hoyer completing just eight passes.
The Texans dug themselves a 24-0 hole after just one quarter against the division-leading Colts last Thursday night at home. Houston climbed back to cut the deficit to five early in the fourth quarter following a J.J. Watt fumble return for a touchdown, but the Texans couldn’t closer in a 33-28 loss as 2½-point underdogs. Indianapolis torched Houston for 370 yards through the air, while the Texans fumbled twice, including a key turnover by wide receiver Andre Johnson in the fourth quarter in Colts’ territory.
Houston has been outgained in every game this season, while its three victories have come against Washington, Oakland, and Buffalo, who have combined for a 4-13 record so far. The Texans won their road opener against the Raiders in Week 2 with a dominating 30-14 triumph, but Bill O’Brien’s team has stumbled in their past two highway contests with losses to the Giants and Cowboys. Houston covered in an overtime defeat at Dallas, as the Texans own a slightly profitable 5-4 ATS record since the start of last season as a road underdog.
The Steelers are the epitome of an up-and-down team, alternating wins and losses throughout their first six games. Does that mean Pittsburgh is due for a victory since it hasn’t lost consecutive games this season? Mike Tomlin’s squad has failed to cover in their first two home contests against the Browns and Buccaneers, while losing outright to Tampa Bay in Week 4 on a last-minute touchdown, 27-24 as 7½-point favorites. Oh by the way, that was the first win for the Buccaneers following an 0-3 start, one week after they were blasted, 56-14 at Atlanta.
The only convincing win for Pittsburgh came back in Week 3 at Carolina in a primetime tilt, 37-19 as the Steelers rushed for 264 yards. The Steelers blew the game open with 28 points in the second half as Pittsburgh tallied just 33 points in its other three road games combined at Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Cleveland.
These two teams last hooked up in Houston back in 2011, as the Texans held off the Steelers, 17-10 as four-point favorites. Arian Foster scored the go-ahead 42-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, as the Texans’ running back rushed for 155 yards in the victory. Houston is making its first trip to Heinz Field since opening day of the 2008 season, as the Steelers dominated the Texans, 38-17 to easily cash as 6½-point favorites. Ben Roethlisberger tossed two touchdown passes to Hines Ward, as the Steelers and Texans have split four meetings since Houston entered the league in 2002.
Since Tomlin took over as head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Pittsburgh has won seven of nine Monday night contests, including perfect 4-0 record at home. The Steelers are hosting their first Monday night game since holding off the Chiefs in overtime in 2012 as 12 ½-point favorites, 16-13. Pittsburgh has covered only once in the four home victories in this span, but twice the Steelers were listed as double-digit favorites.
The Texans have put together a 3-4 SU and 1-6 ATS record in their last seven Monday night appearances since 2008. In this period, Houston is winless in three chances as an underdog, while rallying past the Chargers in the opener of the 2013 campaign as five-point favorites, 31-28, the last time the Texans were featured on a Monday night.
The overriding theme of the primetime games through the first seven weeks has been high-scoring contests. The ‘over’ has cashed in 16 of 20 night games this season, including a 5-2 mark to the ‘over’ on Mondays. Last week’s ‘over’ was a fortunate one as the 49ers scored a defensive touchdown late in a 31-17 win with a total of 44.
The Texans and Steelers haven’t compiled many solid total trends on the season, with both teams going 3-3 to the ‘over.’ Pittsburgh has hit the ‘over’ in each of its two home games, extending a 5-1 ‘over’ stretch at Heinz Field since midway through last season.
The Steelers are currently listed as three-point favorites at many books, but you would have to lay -115 or -120 on Pittsburgh. The total has stayed steady at 44½, as temperatures are expected to be in the low 50’s with a 40% chance of rain. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST and can be seen on ESPN.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans: Monday Night Football Preview
Atssportsline.com
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Opening and Current Odds Pittsburgh opened as a 4-point betting odds favorite and moved to 3 in most books. The total opened at 44.5 and remained there.
Weather: Mostly cloudy. 40 percent showers. Southwest wind 8-13. Gametime temperature: 51.
Key NFL Trends
Houston is
5-11 ATS last 16 vs. AFC.
0-6 ATS last 6 Monday games.
0-5 last 5 matchups on the under bet following an ATS loss.
Pittsburgh is
5-1 ATS last 6 in Week 7.
4-9 ATS last 13 after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
0-7 last 7 matchups on the under bet in October.
Will Clowney play?
Houston can use a lift right now and that could come from rookie outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. The No. 1 overall pick has not played since Week 1 due to arthroscopic knee surgery and is listed as questionable for this game.
Having Clowney in the lineup would help defensive end J.J. Watt, who leads the NFL with 20 quarterback hits and has four of the team's 10 sacks.
Houston has had about 10 days off since losing to Indianapolis on Thursday night, 33-28. They fell behind 24-0 after the first quarter, which was the fifth time this season they had been shut out in the first quarter.
Even with Watt, Houston is ranked 27th in the league in total defense.
Offensively, the Texans were able to come back against Indianapolis because Arian Foster rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 15-of-23 for 212 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Andre Johnson, but also had two fumbles down the stretch.
Key NFL Injuries
Houston:
OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is questionable.
LB Brooks Reed (groin) is questionable.
G Brandon Brooks (anke) is questionable.
Pittsburgh
S Mike Mitchell (knee) is questionable.
NT Steve McLendon (shoulder) is out.
DE Brett Keisel (knee) is questionable.
LB Ryan Shazier (knee) is questionable.
S Shamarko Thomas (hamstring) is questionable.
LB Jarvis Jones (wrist) is on the injured reserve-designated return.
The Steelers are not the Steelers of old
Expectations are always high in Pittsburgh but since the 2012 season, the Steelers are 19-19. Losses are now expcted, but falling to Cleveland by 21 pints is unheard of.
That's what happened last week in Cleveland as Ben Roethlisberger is now 18-2 against the Browns as a starter. He was held to 228 yards passing and completed just 21-of-42 with a touchdown, interception and season-worst 64.4 passer rating.
The defense also allowed 31 straight points after the first quarter. The losses of linebackers Jarvis Jones and Ryan Shazier hasn't helped but age is also catching up to the secondary and defensive line.
What Pittsburgh needs to do is run the football to keep their defense off the field. Le'Veon Bell rushed for 82 yards last week and now is ranked second in the league in rushing and averages 5.2 yards per carry. He should be able to exploit Houston's runs defense, which allows 125.7 yards per game. This is crucial because Roethlisberger has been sacked 11 times in the past three games.
Analysis: Pittsburgh is 8-0 on Monday night from Heinz Field and 25-5 at home overall on Monday night. The Texans provide a tough challenge due to the presence of Watt..
NFL: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Houston Texans (3-3, 4-2 ATS) travel to the Steel City for a Monday Night AFC matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3, 2-4 ATS). Texans' came up a little short in a 33-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week while Jekyll and Hyde Steelers' who've alternated wins/losses all season were thrashed 31-10 at Cleveland. Steelers' current SU win/loss trend along with it's 9-0 SU streak at home in Monday Night Football sure points toward a 'W'. Although, the status of chalk in front of the home folks playing under Monday Night light's has worked against Pittsburgh (3-5 ATS) the Steelers help themselves when looking at numbers that are pertinent to the circumstances they find themselves in today. For instance, Steelers are a profitable 4-1 against the betting line following a two touchdown loss including a perfect 3-0 ATS at Heinz Field. Finally, more football betting ammunition that leans toward Steelers. Texans' have not responded well in MNF posting a 1-6 record against the betting line.