Steelers open as 6.5-point underdogs vs. Patriots in Week 1

With the release of the 2019 NFL schedule on Wednesday, the bookmakers moved quickly to price up the opening week of action and it should comes as no surprise to learn that the Pittsburgh Steelers are underdogs for their Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots.

Facing the defending Super Bowl Champions on home turf will be no small task for the Steelers and the Patriots have been installed as 6.5-point favorites for the contest, according to Vegas Insider. The Westgate Las Vegas Superbook opened with a line of 6-points and a totals position of 51.5-points

The Steelers last met the Patriots on opening day in 2015, a game that ended in a 28-21 victory for New England. The last contest between the two teams was a Week 15 encounter in 2018, one the Patriots were 2.5-points favorites to win, but finished with a scoreline of 17-10 in the Steelers favor.

The two teams have played each other 32 times dating back to 1972 and the series is currently tied at 16 wins apiece. However, despite winning the last contest, New England has generally dominated these matchups as of late, winners of five out of the last six games and boasting a 7-3 record over Pittsburgh since Mike Tomlin took control of the team in 2007.