Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) vs. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts December 16, 2023 – As we approach NFL Week 15, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, both standing at 7-6, are set to clash in a highly anticipated matchup. This game, a critical juncture for both teams’ playoff aspirations, will unfold at the Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, December 16, 2023. With the stakes high and the teams evenly matched, this encounter is drawing significant attention from USA online sportsbooks and fans alike.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts December 16, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 4:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| TV: | NFLN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Kenny Pickett QB vs. Gardner Minshew QB
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett has shown steady improvement, posting a 6-4 record since taking over the starting job. While his counting stats are modest, Pickett has taken care of the football recently, throwing just 2 interceptions over his last 5 games while leading Pittsburgh to a 4-1 record over that stretch. He faces a middling Colts pass defense ranked 15th in opponent passer rating.
Meanwhile, veteran Indianapolis Colts QB Gardner Minshew has kept Indianapolis in the playoff hunt since taking over for the injured Nick Foles. Minshew is an efficient, short-area distributor, having completed over 60% of his passes. While he lacks elite arm strength, Minshew has thrown 11 TDs to 8 INTs and earned a solid 83.5 passer rating. He’ll look to dice up a Steelers pass defense ranked just 20th in yards allowed.
Steelers’ Ground and Air Assault
Led by bruising second-year back Najee Harris, the Steelers boast the NFL’s sixth-best rushing attack, grinding out 147 rushing yards per contest. Harris has come on strong after a slow start, having topped 95 yards rushing in two of his last three outings. He’ll be hungry for a big day against a poor Colts run defense ranked 30th with 145 rushing yards allowed per game.
Colts’ Offensive Strategy
While not nearly as prolific overall, the Colts’ ground game features big-play ability thanks to offseason addition Zack Moss. Despite receiving 30 less carries than Harris, Moss has managed two more 20+ yard runs and ripped off a 56-yard touchdown earlier this season. He’ll offer a nice change of pace behind workhorse back Jonathan Taylor, who is questionable to return from an ankle injury.
NFL Betting Odds: Indianapolis Colts -135, Over/Under: 39.5
The betting odds slightly favor the Colts, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The over/under set at 39.5 points suggests a moderately high-scoring game, aligning with both teams’ recent performances.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
Pittsburgh are 13-7 ATS in their last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Pittsburgh’s last 11 games.
Pittsburgh are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games.
Steelers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Indianapolis.
Pittsburgh are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games against Indianapolis.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh’s last 6 games on the road.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Trends
Indianapolis are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indianapolis’ last 8 games.
Indianapolis are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indianapolis’ last 9 games against Pittsburgh.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indianapolis’ last 7 games at home.
Indianapolis are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Picks
In this tightly contested matchup, the key will be the quarterbacks’ performance and how well each team’s defense can contain the opposing offense. The Steelers’ strong record against the Colts and their recent ATS performance make them a tempting pick, especially with the points.
However, considering the Colts’ home advantage and their offensive momentum, they might have the edge. Prop bets on individual player performances, like rushing yards for Najee Harris or receiving yards for Michael Pittman Jr., could offer value. The over/under is a tricky bet, given the contrasting trends of both teams.
In NFL expert picks considered the trends and matchups, a close game is expected. The Colts’ home-field advantage and slightly better offensive consistency might just tilt the balance in their favor.
Score Predictions: Colts 21, Steelers 17
