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NFL Bets | Pittsburgh Steelers Win Total Bet | June 18 2025

Steelers Aaron Rodgers

NFL Futures Betting Prediction: Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Will Finish UNDER 8.5 Wins in 2025

By ASAwins

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a team generating plenty of buzz, particularly with the high-profile signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, despite their consistent success under head coach Mike Tomlin, there are compelling reasons to believe the Steelers will fall short of their 8.5-win total in the 2025 season. This article dives into the data, schedule challenges, and key roster changes to support a futures betting prediction of UNDER 8.5 wins for Pittsburgh.

A Closer Look at Last Season’s Performance

The Steelers posted a 10-7 record in the 2024 season, a testament to Mike Tomlin’s (has never had an under .500 season….gulp) ability to squeeze wins out of a roster with clear limitations. However, a deeper look reveals that their success was somewhat inflated. Five of their 10 victories came against teams with losing records: the 3-win Cleveland Browns, 3-win New York Giants, 4-win Las Vegas Raiders, and 5-win New York Jets. These wins accounted for half of their total on the season. Against stronger teams, the Steelers were less consistent, which raises concerns heading into a much tougher 2025 schedule.

Advanced metrics further highlight the Steelers’ middling performance. According to DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) rankings, Pittsburgh finished the 2024 season ranked 15th overall, with a 19th-ranked offense and an 8th-ranked defense. While their defense was a strength, their offense struggled to find consistency, a recurring issue that may not be fully resolved with their new quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers: An Upgrade or a Risk?

The biggest offseason move for Pittsburgh was signing four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal after his release from the New York Jets. On paper, Rodgers brings an elite pedigree, having thrown for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2024. However, his performance was far from vintage, ranking 25th in QBR (48.0) and posting a completion percentage over expectation of -5%, per NFL Next Gen Stats. These numbers reflect a quarterback still recovering from a torn Achilles that sidelined him for nearly all of 2023, raising questions about his ability to return to MVP form at age 41.

Is Rodgers an upgrade over 2024 starters Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? It’s a mixed bag. Wilson and Fields struggled to elevate Pittsburgh’s offense, which ranked 19th in DVOA, but Rodgers’ 2024 performance suggests he may not be a significant improvement. His reluctance to adapt to play-action-heavy schemes, a staple of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system, could create friction. Additionally, Rodgers’ chemistry with new top receiver D.K. Metcalf is uncertain, as Metcalf’s less precise route-running may clash with Rodgers’ demand for perfection.

While Rodgers offers some upside, his age, injury history, and recent performance make him a risky bet to transform Pittsburgh’s offense into a top-tier unit. The Steelers’ offensive line, which struggled in 2024, also poses a concern for Rodgers’ health and effectiveness. If he can’t stay upright, Pittsburgh’s ceiling is limited.

A Brutal 2025 Schedule

The Steelers face a significantly tougher slate in 2025, which is a major factor in this UNDER prediction. Their opponents include the NFC North and AFC East, two divisions loaded with top tier teams. Based on 2024 DVOA ratings, Pittsburgh projects to face the fifth-hardest set of opposing offenses, a stark contrast to the 10th-hardest schedule they faced last season.

From Week 7 to Week 11 alone, the Steelers play four games against teams that ranked 12th or better in offensive DVOA in 2024, including two matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals, who boast one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks. The back half of their schedule includes daunting games against Baltimore (twice), Buffalo, Detroit, and Green Bay—all teams with top-tier offenses in 2024. This brutal stretch could expose Pittsburgh’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly if their offense struggles to keep pace.

Pittsburgh’s early schedule is more favorable, with their first five games against teams ranked 15th or worse in offensive DVOA last season. However, even if they start strong—say, 3-2 or 4-1—the gauntlet from Week 7 onward makes it difficult to maintain momentum.

Defensive Concerns and Turnover Dependency

Pittsburgh’s defense was a bright spot in 2024, ranking 8th in DVOA and excelling at forcing turnovers (27 takeaways, tied for 8th in the NFL). However, their success was heavily reliant on opportunistic play. When excluding turnovers, the Steelers ranked 18th in defensive EPA per play and 22nd in defensive success rate, revealing a unit that struggled to consistently stall drives without takeaways.

Facing a tougher set of offenses in 2025, Pittsburgh’s defense may not generate turnovers at the same rate, especially against disciplined teams like Buffalo and Green Bay. The loss of key players like left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and the trade of George Pickens for D.K. Metcalf and Robert Woods don’t inspire confidence in significant offensive improvement, which could leave the defense on the field for longer stretches.

Final Prediction

The Steelers are likely to hover around .500, finishing with 7 or 8 wins. Their early schedule provides opportunities to bank wins, but the brutal second half, combined with offensive uncertainties and a turnover-dependent defense, makes surpassing 8.5 wins unlikely. Data and scheduling suggest Pittsburgh will struggle to replicate last season’s success.

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Colts vs Titans Prediction | Oct 13 2024

ASA FREE PLAY ON Over 43 Points – Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Titans, Sunday at 1 PM ET

Indy’s defense is a wreck right now.  They’ve allowed 61 points over their last 2 weeks and rank dead last in total defense allowing 420 YPG.  They’ve had 2 games where they held their opponents under 24 points and that was vs Green Bay when the Packers ran the ball 55 times with back up QB Willis getting his first start and vs Chicago who ranks 29th in YPP offense.  Even in those games GB tallied 383 yards and Chicago 395 yards so they both had opportunities to put up more points. 

Indy ranks dead last in the NFL allowing opponents to average 38 yards per drive.  The Titans have some offensive confidence coming into this game after putting up 31 points last week (their season high) vs Miami and QB Levis, who was banged up in the game, looks like he’ll be fine here. 

Tennessee’s defense is highly rated, however they’ve faced 4 offenses (Miami, NYJ, and Chicago) who rank in the bottom 7 in YPP.  The one decent offense they’ve faced was Green Bay who put up 30 points on them. 

Indy’s offense averages 6.2 YPP (5th in the NFL) and 24 PPG.  We would expect the Colts to have success here offensively.  Both QB’s should have time to operate in the pocket as these defenses rank 29th and 30th in pressure rate. 

These 2 AFC South rivals have met 10 times since the start of the 2019 season and they’ve averaged 48 total points in those games.  We like the Over on Sunday as our free NFL bet. 

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New Orleans Saints vs Kansas City Chiefs Preview | MNF | 10-7-24

MNF Saints vs. Chiefs Prediction | Player Prop bets | October 7th 2024

Game Overview: The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off an impressive start with a 4-0 record, are hosting the New Orleans Saints, who stand at 2-2, in a Monday Night Football showdown at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This game marks a significant intersection of two teams with contrasting fortunes, with the Chiefs defending their Super Bowl title and the Saints looking to break their losing streak against Kansas City.

Team Analysis:

  • Kansas City Chiefs:
    • Record: 4-0, showcasing resilience with all wins by seven points or less.
    • Offense: Led by Patrick Mahomes, who has been pivotal in the Chiefs’ close victories. However, they’ve faced challenges with injuries, notably to wide receiver Rashee Rice, RB’s Edwards-Helaire and Pacheo. Kansas City ranks near league average in most offensive statistical categories.
    • Defense: The Chiefs defense allows just 99 rushing yards per game which is good for 8th best in the NFL. They give up just 3.8 yards per game, 4th best. KC’s defense is 25th in yards per completion at 10.7.
  • New Orleans Saints:
    • Record: 2-2, with recent games decided by narrow margins, indicating competitive but inconsistent play.
    • Offense: Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara lead an offense that ranks well in rushing but struggles more in passing efficiency. New Orleans is 1st in rushing attempts per game, 7th in total rushing yards per game but 18th in rushing yards per attempt.
    • Defense: Stronger against the pass but weaker against the run, which could be tested by Mahomes. New Orleans allows 5.8 yards per play (22nd) and 4.8 yards per rush. They have the 8th best pass defense when it comes to opposing QB’s completion percentage at 62.3%.

Betting Insights:

  • Spread: The Chiefs are favored by 5.5 points.
  • Over/Under: Set at 43

Key Betting Angles:

  • Chiefs’ Home Performance: The Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium has been formidable, with a 33-10 SU record since 2020. This season KC has a pair of wins at home over Baltimore by 7-points and Cincinnati by 1pt.
  • Saints’ Road Strategy: The Saints are coming off a last second road loss to the Falcons 24-26 but do own a road win in Dallas 44-19. With QB Derek Carr under center, the Saints are 5-6 SU on the road, 5-5-1 ATS.
  • Player Prop Bet: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker Over 1.5 made field goals. Butker has made 2 or more in every game this season and is averaging 2.33 per game. He is 88.9% on field goals this season with his only miss coming from 65 yards. Last season Butker was 33 of 35 on the year or 94.3%. He has been Over this number in 7 of his last eight games.

Betting Markets: There is more money coming in on the Over in this game which is starting to influence the Books and drive this total up. 43 is a key number so we’re not sure if this moves higher than that. Betting markets are slightly favoring the Saints with more money and tickets on New Orleans which has moved the number from the opening number of KC -6.5 to the current line of -5.5.

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Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Predictions | September 22nd 2024

Chiefs vs Falcons preview

NFL Game Preview: Atlanta Falcons vs. Kansas City Chiefs – September 22, 2024

ASAWins Team breaks down the Sunday Night game.

Chiefs vs Falcons Prediction Game Details:

  • Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024
  • Time: 8:20 PM EST
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Betting Odds:

  • Spread: Kansas City Chiefs -3, Atlanta Falcons +3
  • Over/Under: 46.5
  • Moneyline: Chiefs -170, Falcons +145

Injury Updates:

Kansas City Chiefs:

  • Isiah Pacheco is out with an ankle injury, which could significantly impact the Chiefs’ running game.
  • Hollywood Brown and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are also sidelined, with both on the Injured Reserve, severely limiting the Chiefs’ offensive options in the receiving and running games.

Atlanta Falcons:

  • Nate Landman and Milo Eifler are out, impacting the linebacker depth for the Falcons.

Game Analysis:

Chiefs’ Offense: Despite injuries, Patrick Mahomes continues to lead one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. With Rashee Rice stepping up in the absence of top receivers, the Chiefs might lean heavily on Rice and Travis Kelce for aerial dominance. The running game, however, faces a significant challenge with Pacheco out, possibly relying more on Carson Steele and Samaje Perine to manage the ground game.

Falcons’ Offense: The Falcons come off a dramatic victory against the Eagles, where Kirk Cousins showed resilience, throwing for 396 yards. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have been pivotal in the run game, providing a balanced attack that could exploit the Chiefs’ defense, which has shown vulnerabilities against strong running teams.

Defensive Matchup: The Chiefs’ defense, despite missing key players, has managed to keep games competitive. However, their performance against the run might be tested by the Falcons’ robust running backs. Conversely, the Falcons’ defense needs to contain Mahomes, which is easier said than done, but their recent performance suggests they might have a strategy to at least keep the game close.

Key Betting Insights:

  • The Chiefs, as road favorites of 3 or more points following a win, have not covered the spread effectively in recent years. The Falcons though have been an uninspiring home dog with a 6-7 ATS in that role since 2020.
  • The over/under set at 46.5 reflects expectations of a high-scoring affair, considering both teams’ offensive capabilities, though the Chiefs’ injuries might suggest a lower scoring game if their offense struggles.

Fantasy and Player Insights:

  • Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce for the Chiefs, along with Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts for the Falcons, are expected to be key fantasy performers. However, Kirk Cousins might be a riskier start given the Chiefs’ defensive reputation.

Chiefs vs Falcons prediction Conclusion: This game pits the offensive prowess of the Chiefs against an improving Falcons team looking to make a statement. This game could come down to whomever has the football last. The over/under might lean towards the under given the injury situation, but with Mahomes under center, one can never count out a high-scoring affair. This game could go either way, making it one of the must-watch games of Week 3.

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Ravens vs Chiefs Preview | Sept 5th 2024 | By ASA

ASA breaks down the Ravens vs Chiefs game Thursday, Sept 5th 2024

Game Preview: Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2024

Kickoff: 8:20 PM EDT

Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Broadcast: NBC, Peacock, Universo

BetMGM NFL Odds: Chiefs by 3

Series Record: Chiefs lead 8-5

Last Meeting: Chiefs won 17-10 in the AFC Championship game on January 28, 2024, in Baltimore.

The Matchup:

The NFL season kicks off with a blockbuster game as the Baltimore Ravens visit the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game. This contest not only opens the season but also reignites a rivalry that has seen the Chiefs dominate recent encounters, winning five of the last six games against the Ravens.

Chiefs’ Perspective:

  • Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, will be looking to start the season with a bang. His ability to extend plays and find open receivers, especially Travis Kelce, who’s on the cusp of breaking franchise records, could be crucial.
  • The Chiefs’ defense, while missing key players like L’Jarius Sneed and Charles Omenihu, will face a stern test against the Ravens’ multifaceted offense. However, with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis III leading the pass rush, they aim to disrupt Lamar Jackson.

Ravens’ Perspective:

  • Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, will be keen to prove his worth against Mahomes in what’s being billed as a historic matchup of multiple MVP winners in Week 1. His dual-threat capabilities, combined with the addition of RB Derrick Henry, could make the Ravens’ offense unpredictable.
  • Defensively, the Ravens led the league in sacks last season with 3.3 per game. With Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton anchoring the defense, they’ll look to contain Mahomes and limit the Chiefs’ explosive plays.

Key Matchups:

  • Lamar Jackson vs. Chiefs’ Defense: Can Jackson’s mobility and arm evade the Chiefs’ pass rush and find his receivers?
  • Patrick Mahomes vs. Ravens’ Defense: Will Mahomes’ magic find a way through one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses?
  • Ravens’ Run Game vs. Chiefs’ Run Defense: The Ravens’ ground attack against a Chiefs defense that struggled against the run last season.

Key Injuries and Absences:

  • Chiefs: WR Marquise Brown, RB Clyde-Edwards-Helaire, DE BJ Thompson, DE Charles Omenihu,
  • Ravens: LB Adisa Isaac, RB Rasheen Ali

What to Watch For:

  • **Can the Ravens’ defense replicate their AFC Championship performance and keep Mahomes in check?
  • **Will the Chiefs’ offensive line hold up against the Ravens’ formidable pass rush?
  • **The battle of the tight ends: Mark Andrews vs. Travis Kelce, both looking to make significant impacts.

This game isn’t just about bragging rights for the next season; it’s a statement game for both teams. The Ravens, with a chip on their shoulder after the AFC Championship loss, will look to prove they’re the team to beat in the AFC. Conversely, the Chiefs, under Andy Reid, aim to show that their championship window remains wide open. Expect a high-intensity, high-stakes game that could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.

This preview encapsulates the key elements of the game based on the information provided, focusing on player matchups, team dynamics, and the significance of the game in the context of the season opener.

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