Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans Picks and Odds Week 15
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans Betting Preview
WagerTalk NFL handicapper Tony Mejia offers his Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans NFL Week 15 betting preview. At the time of posting, the Steelers have flipped to a 1.5-point home favorite after initially opening as a small underdog, with the total sitting at 42.5 points.
Stay on top of the latest NFL updates direct from Las Vegas!
| NFL Week 15 | Betting Notes |
|---|---|
| Point Spread: | Pittsburgh Steelers -1.5 vs Tennessee Titans |
| Total: | 42.5 Points |
| Game Time: | 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT on Sunday, December 19 |
| Stadium: | Heinz Field in Pittsburgh |
| TV: | CBS |
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans Predictions
The Ben Roethlisberger era in Pittsburgh is down to its final few games. Barring one final rally, the future of Hall of Fame quarterback won’t be part of the playoff scene for the third time in four years. Physically, the 39-year-old is limping to the finish line and didn’t practice this week until Thursday, participating in limited fashion due to shoulder and pectoral injuries. He’s played through ailments all season and has been extremely productive lately, which is something the Titans have to be wary of as they visit Heinz Field coming off a shutout win over Jacksonville.
Since a 20-17 loss at Green Bay to open October in which Roethlsberger posted a QBR that was just above 78, he’s recorded a rating of 94.7 or higher in seven of eight games, throwing 15 touchdown passes – at least one in all eight of his starts – and just three interceptions. He completed 70 percent of his passes and threw for three scores in sparking a comeback against the Vikings to open Week 14 on a Thursday night, finishing with 308 passing yards.
His final throw was a dart in between defenders that hit talented young tight end Pat Freiermuth in the hands but was ultimately not pulled in. The Steelers will at least now have had a few extra days to prepare for the Titans after falling 36-28 at Minnesota in a game they narrowly salvaged despite falling behind 29-0. There’s no quit in Mike Tomlin’s team, but considering that five teams enter Week 15 just ahead of their 6-6-1 mark, that tie against the Lions back on Nov. 14 may indeed wind up being their downfall.
Pittsburgh WR Chase Claypool was getting the bulk of the criticism for his lack of awareness on his team’s final drive, costing them precious seconds by stopping to celebrate a first down, so there’s drama offering cover for the bigger elephant in the room. Unless he changes his mind, Roethlisberger is likely playing his final games in the NFL over the next month. Although he still clearly has the arm talent to get the job done despite a lack of mobility looking like an obstacle, playing banged up week in and week out has taken its toll and it looks like his team will miss the playoffs for the third time in four years, done in more by defensive miscues than spotty offense, although injuries haven’t helped their cause on either side of the ball.
The Steelers are in a must-win situation going forward and won’t have to deal against a dynamic back like Dalvin Cook this week but it’s clear the defense is fading. They’ve allowed 27 or more points in four of their last six games after doing so twice in the previous 19 contests. The defense has also let an opposing running back gain over 100 yards in the first half twice in the past three games after not allowing that to happen through the first 234 games of Tomlin’s career.
Jeremy McNichols figures to get the heaviest workload in a backfield that also includes D’Onta Foreman and Dontrell Hilliard as options attempting to make up for the absence of star running back Derrick Henry. Tennessee’s defense really elevated its game in leading the way in an upset of the Rams immediately after Henry broke his foot but had struggled until last week’s 20-0 triumph over the Jaguars.
The Titans will look to put together another stingy effort by getting after the veteran QB and have one of the NFL’s top pass rushers in Harold Landry leading the charge. He’s the first Titans defenders with 11 or more sacks in a season since 2010. Tennessee held Jacksonville to eight rushing yards and no points in posting its shutout and will have to step up in class on the road to pick up a 10th victory on the season.
Is this Pittsburgh’s last stand or are they out of gas? Make your mind up on that yourself but expect the answer to come in a low-scoring affair at Heinz Field. Sharps initially bet the total down from 43 to 41.5, anticipating scoring to be scarce. We’re in agreement with that sentiment and were excited to see bye back lead to line movement back up to the 42.5-to-43 point range entering the weekend.
💰 A number of unfamiliar names will likely be earning significant playing time this week. Who can help you cash some #NFL prop tickets and some fantasy contests? Join @MidMajorMatt and @BumpSports for #PropItUp at 1pm ET / 10am PT.https://t.co/JaHtEneXHF
— WagerTalk (@WagerTalk) December 17, 2021
NFL Week 15 Prezidential Address
Looking for a 30-minute show that attacks NFL betting from every angle? The Prezidential Address is for you. Each week, Prez will go through the entire NFL schedule and offer his thoughts on bets against the spread, over/under totals, teaser options and player props. Prez breaks down this Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans clash at the 12:55 timestamp.
WagerTalk Live Odds Screen
WagerTalk’s live odds screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the moneylines, point spreads, first half lines and betting percentages for all of the NFL Week 15 games, including this Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans showdown, from your desktop or phone.
**************************************************
Looking for more free sports picks and sports betting tips?
- Latest Betting Odds and Public Action: Vegas lines updated in real time, including who the public is betting on.
- Last Minute Handicapping Advice: Check out our extensive library of handicapping tips and advice from professional Vegas handicappers (we also recommend taking the time to look over our sports betting tips video library)
- Want an expert opinion? Check out the latest Free Sports Picks and Best Bets from our team of expert sports handicappers.
Make sure to bookmark all the above!
