Steelers open as 5.5 point favorites over Panthers in Week 10

The Pittsburgh Steelers may face a short week with a Thursday night game against the Carolina Panthers up next on the schedule, but the bookmakers still believe they are good value to win their fifth game in a row. Fortunate to be playing at home with so little time to prepare, the Steelers have been installed as 5.5-point favorites for their Week 10 matchup.

While the two sides are regular preseason opponents, they have only played each other six times in the regular season dating back to 1996, with Pittsburgh having won all but their first meeting. None of those victories have been by less than 10-points and it would not be a surprise to see this line widen somewhat in the coming days.

That being said, it is also worth noting that Carolina is currently in the middle their own hot streak having won their last three in a row and five of their last six. Boasting a 6-2 record, the Panthers may not quite be the pushovers they usually are when playing the Steelers this time around.

An opening totals position of 50-points looks to be a reasonable starting point for a clash between two teams who have been involved in a number of high scoring affairs this season. But we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge Pittsburgh’s improved efforts on defense as of late, with only one opponent scoring more than 18-points in their last four outings.

Although an early moneyline of +201 to -225 offers some value for those looking to back the underdog, it is probably only of interest to Steelers’ backers as part of a parlay, unless you intend laying significant money on the outcome of the game.