The online betting USA point spread favors the New England Patriots over the Pittsburgh Steelers by a touchdown. This is par for the course. Per the best online sportsbooks, the Pats were underdogs just once last season. Including the playoffs. That of course means that New England did not cover the spread almost as often as they did. The 2019 season will be the Patriots’ first since 2009 tight end Rob Gronkowski. To borrow SNL lingo, Gronk was more a featured player than a main cast member. Thus his retirement should not have that big of an impact on the team’s chances. As a matter of fact, one of the Pats’ (old) new tight ends is already on Gronkowski mode. Benjamin Watson failed a drug test in late May just so he would be suspended four games. What better way to honor the Gronk than missing games?
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots NFL Week 1 Betting Information
- Date: Sunday September 8
- Time: 8:20 pm ET
- Venue: Gillette Stadium
Odds from Intertops.eu:
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | +5½ (-105) | 49½ (-110) | +211 |  |
| Patriots | -5½ (-115) | 49½ (-110) | -255 | |
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Betting Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers also lost some familiar and not so familiar faces. Wide receiver Antonio Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders. And running back Le’Veon Bell signed with the New York Jets. But he hadn’t been seen in black and yellow in a long time anyway. And as for Brown, he’s a blind hairdresser’s haircut away from being Odell Beckham. So I say good riddance to him too. It’s not all good news, though. Tight end ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James signed with the Detroit Lions. Oh, you didn’t know? Your ass better call somebody!!! On the plus side, James Conner proved in 2018 to be as good as, if not better than, Bell. Not to say that Conner is actually a decent human being. Additionally, Pitt drafted 2019 Citrus Bowl MVP running back Benny Snell, Jr. And wide receiver Diontae Johnson. As well as tight end Zach Gentry.
Basically, other than head coach Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger is the only remnant of mid-to-late 2000s Super Bowl-winning Steelers. And that’s just as well, since Big Ben had career- and league-bests in completions, attempts, and passing yards. The ‘Berger also threw the season’s longest pass for the second straight year. And threw a career-high 34 TD passes. Conversely, he led the NFL in interceptions. Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh to an 8-7-1 against the online betting USA spread record.
Betting New England Patriots
While Watson is paying tribute to the memory of Gronk, Matt LaCosse appears to be No. 1 tight end. The Boston Herald says LaCosse is “a pretty smooth athlete for his size (6-foot-6, 255 pounds). He runs well and can serve as a viable target down the middle of the field. He doesn’t have a ton of production on his resume, but he hasn’t had an opportunity quite like this one.” Tom Brady missed OTAs but didn’t seem to have missed a beat when he appeared at mini-camp. And he may not have Gronkowski anymore (or Josh Gordon while he battles his personal demons). But Brady still has Julian Edelman and Philip Dorsett.
Expert Prediction for Steelers vs. Patriots NFL Week 1
The Patriots have a habit of starting slow only to end up winning Super Bowls. Meanwhile, the Steelers are leaner and meaner having dropped all that dead weight. On the other hand, word is Bill Belichick is going to run a run-heavy offense this season. You know, feeding the ol’ rock to Sony Michel and James White. Something like that might just prevent that aforementioned slow start. However, I’d have to see evidence of that first. Until then I’ll take Pittsburgh to cover the online betting USA point spread.
