Steelers vs. Patriots Betting Preview 01/22/17 – AFC Title Game

Betting Preview

Both Pittsburgh and New England have a chance to set the NFL record for the most trips to a Super Bowl when the winner of this game makes their ninth appearance for that game.

The Steelers have won nine straight games despite the fact that Big Ben hasn’t passed for 300 yards in eight straight games or has thrown just 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions over that period. Running back Le’Veon Bell has stepped up and has run for at least 118 yards in seven of his last eight games while scoring six touchdowns. In Pittsburgh’s last two games which were playoff games, he ran for 167 yards against Miami in the Wild Card game and then last week in the Division Playoff ran for 170 yards against the Chiefs. Their defense has also stepped up during their winning streak, averaging just 16.6 points allowed while sacking the opposing quarterback 31 times.

The Patriots are led by quarterback Tom Brady who threw 28 touchdown passes with just two interceptions this season, They will now be appearing in their record setting sixth straight Conference Championship game and they have won eight straight games themselves. Their defense led the league in points allowed (15.6 points a game). Brady has had a lot of success against Pittsburgh as he owns a 9-2 record against them while throwing 19 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last six meetings with the Steelers. Couple that along with the Patriots 16-3 home record in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh will have to be at their best in order to win the game.

The oddsmakers have made New England a six point favorite and set the total at 50. according to Covers.com Consensus Analysis 55% of the public like the Steelers as an underdog while 52% think scoring won’t be a problem and are behind the over.

In their first meeting around Thanksgiving, the Patriots won that game 27-16.

Previous Meetings

10/23/16: Patriots 27 @ Steelers 16
09/10/15: Steelers 21 @ Patriots 28
11/03/13: Steelers 31 @ Patriots 55

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