Sunday, October 11, 2020, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1 p.m. ET
Eagles at Steelers Betting Preview: Eagles (+7/-110), Steelers (-7/-110)
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles (1-2-1) find themselves atop a moribund NFC East after winning their first game of the season in Week 4, courtesy of a 25-20 victory over San Francisco on Sunday. Much-maligned Carson Wentz overcame the absence of his top three wideouts and backup tight end Dallas Goedert to throw for a touchdown and run for one versus the 49ers.
Wentz, however, also threw his NFL-high seventh interception to match his total in each of the past three seasons. Trusted target Zach Ertz leads the team with 19 receptions, although his four grabs last Sunday resulted in just nine yards.
Former Penn State star and Pittsburgh native Miles Sanders answered back-to-back 95-yard performances by managing just 76 scrimmage yards last week. A banged-up offensive line hasn’t helped matters, including nine-time Pro Bowl selection Jason Peters’ ailing toe that landed him on injured reserve, three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson’s lingering ankle issue and the absences of Brandon Brooks and Andre Dillard.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers (3-0) attempt to regain their footing following an unexpected bye week when they bid for their third 4-0 start in franchise history. Pittsburgh’s scheduled Week 4 game versus Tennessee was postponed until later in the season because of a COVID-19 outbreak within the Titans’ organization.
The time off was beneficial to wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who was officially cleared of the concussion protocol. Johnson (14 receptions, 149 yards, one touchdown) has provided a second receiving option for Ben Roethlisberger behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, who leads the team in catches (17), receiving yards (160) and touchdowns (three).
Running back James Conner is rested after rolling up 149 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ 28-21 win over Houston on Sept. 27. Rookie back Anthony McFarland rushed for 42 yards on six carries in his NFL debut.
Eagles at Steelers Betting Pick for Week 5
While offense remains the focus of modern-day football, the defenses of each Keystone State team could go a long way in determining Sunday’s winner. After all, the Eagles lead the NFL with 17 sacks while the Steelers reside in second with 15.
Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt has 3.5 sacks in his past two games and fellow linebacker Bud Dupree had 1.5 in Week 3. The pair likely will give Wentz nightmares on Sunday.
Eagles at Steelers Betting Pick:
Steelers 27, Eagles 21
Eagles at Steelers Best Bet for Week 5
Roethlisberger and company are itching to get back on the field after their unexpected bye. They’ll likely get it in gear on Sunday, while the Eagles’ offense has struggled to provide any sense of consistency thus far this season.
Eagles at Steelers Best Bet: OVER 43.5 (-110)
