Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) vs. Houston Texans (1-2)
As we head into Week 4 of the NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans face off in what promises to be a pivotal game for both teams. The Steelers, sitting at a 2-1 record, will travel to the NRG Stadium to meet the 1-2 Texans, in a clash that will surely influence the trajectory of their seasons. With both teams bringing their A-game, enthusiasts and bettors alike are eagerly turning to the latest NFL betting picks and predictions to discern a favorite.
The Steelers, while having a commendable record, showcase their offensive prowess majorly through their ground game. Najee Harris, their primary running back, has clocked in 139 rushing yards in just three games, averaging a solid 4 yards per rush attempt. Though he hasn’t found the end zone yet, his contribution to the offense is undeniable. Meanwhile, in the receiving department, Justin Jefferson has been lighting up the field. With an impressive 309 receiving yards over the first three games, defenses are having a hard time keeping up with his pace and precision.
On the other side, the Texans, although starting the season with a shaky 1-2 record, have a few standout performers. Running back Dameon Pierce, although averaging a modest 33.3 rushing yards per game, brings versatility to the Texans’ offense and has already scored a touchdown. Moreover, wide receiver Nico Collins, with 260 receiving yards, serves as a reliable target, making big plays when they matter the most.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans Game Info
| When: | Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 1:00 AM ET |
| Where: | NRG Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Kenny Pickett QB vs. C.J. Stroud QB
Kenny Pickett, helming the Steelers’ offense, boasts a robust 689 passing yards over three games, averaging 229.7 yards per game. With a 72.7% completion rate and a notable 6 passing touchdowns, Pickett is positioning himself as a force to reckon with. However, while his yardage and touchdowns are commendable, he has been sacked 8 times, indicating some vulnerabilities in decision-making under pressure. The Texan defense will surely look to exploit this.
C.J. Stroud, leading the Texans, has managed to rack up a whopping 906 passing yards, averaging a significant 302 yards per game. With a 64.5% completion rate, Stroud’s performance is noteworthy, especially considering the number of sacks he’s endured. Demonstrating resilience, Stroud has yet to throw an interception, making him a key player in this matchup. But, the aggressive Steelers’ defense might just be his biggest challenge yet.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -165, Total Odds: 41
Given the current betting odds, the Steelers are favored, albeit marginally. The -3 spread for Pittsburgh indicates the game could be closer than some may anticipate. However, the under for a total of 41 suggests a potentially low-scoring affair, emphasizing the role of the defenses in this game.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Steelers have been dominant recently, going 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games. While they’ve consistently gone under the total in 6 of their last 9 games, they’ve also managed to maintain a 6-1 SU record in their previous 7 matchups. Historically, against the Texans, they’ve been dominant, both ATS (5-1) and SU (5-1). On the road, they’ve maintained a flawless 5-0 ATS record, which bodes well for this encounter.
Houston Texans Betting Trends
Houston’s recent form has been a cause for concern. Their 0-3 record in the last 5 games, combined with a 0-2 record against the spread, does not inspire confidence. Furthermore, with a disappointing 0-8 SU record in their last 8 home games, home advantage might not play a significant role. In week 4 games, the total has gone over in 6 of Houston’s last 8, which contrasts with the general under trend seen in this matchup.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans 10/1/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ performance trends and key players, the Steelers seem to have a slight edge. Their superior ATS record, especially on the road, makes them a favorable pick.
However, one cannot discount the Texans completely, especially with the offensive prowess of C.J. Stroud. For those browsing the top online betting sites, consider prop bets focusing on individual performances, especially the quarterbacks. Given the current stats and trends, an under on the total points might also be a wise choice.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Houston Texans 17
