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Steelers open as 6.5-point underdogs vs. the Saints in Week 16

Pittsburgh will be underdogs for the second week in a row when they take on the New Orleans Saints in a must win matchup.

Pittsburgh Steelers v New Orleans Saints Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

While the Pittsburgh Steelers may have exorcised some demons with a win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, there is little time to celebrate with the New Orleans Saints up next on the schedule. Arguably the best team the Steelers will face in 2018, the contest is another must win game for a team fighting for their playoff lives.

However, much like they did last week, the bookmakers seem unconvinced the Steelers will be able to get the job done when they travel to New Orleans. The Saints have opened as sizable favorites for this crucial matchup at 6.5-points and there has been little change to the spread as of Tuesday.

An initial totals position of 56-points has crept up to 57-points at the time of writing, while an opening moneyline price of +220 is still available from the handful of sportsbooks who are currently offering an outright price on the game.

With the status of James Conner still in doubt for Week 16, his availability or lack thereof should create some movement in the betting when the picture becomes clearer, and the first injury report of the week on Wednesday will be one to keep an eye on.

As interconference opponents, Pittsburgh have only faced the Saints 15 times and are currently behind in the series by a margin of 7-8. Mike Tomlin is 0-2 against them since taking control of the Steelers, with their last defeat coming in 2014 by a score of 35-32. The last time Pittsburgh won in New Orleans was in 1990.