Expert Top Pick of the Day: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings

This Thursday night, we have a fascinating matchup between two of the most questionable teams this season. The Steelers are playing the Vikings on the road in a matchup that promises to be very competitive. 

The Steelers are coming into this game after a big win against the Baltimore Ravens. Led by veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger, they were able to get the victory in a close matchup. 

On the other hand, Minnesota will look to make a comeback at home. Coming off a two-game losing streak, they urgently need to turn things around to secure a ticket to the playoffs this season. The Vikings are led by QB Kirk Cousins, who has 3,353 passing yards, which is among the top ten QBs in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings Schedule

• Date: Thursday, December 9
• Time: 7:20 PM CT
• Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

Pittsburgh Steelers Big Ben Test

For some of the doubters of the Steelers recently, the career and success of QB Roethlisberger have already passed their peak as he should be considering moving forward into retirement. The Pittsburgh franchise has been backing up Big Ben at all times. 

Even though the team has not shown its true potential, they have achieved a crucial win most recently that could become the turning point and the momentum they need to continue to find success with their QB. One of the other weapons that the Steelers have discovered as part of the key to their game plan is the running game with RB Najee Harris, who has 779 rushing yards so far this year. 

One of the most iconic defenses in the league’s history has not appeared as such, at least during this season. The Steelers are averaging 23.8 points against each game, which could play a critical factor in the next round.

Minnesota Vikings Battle Cry

The city of Minneapolis will host the next TNF in a game that will have a lot of emotions when the Vikings host the Steelers at home. Coming in as the stronger team in this matchup, the Vikings need to make things happen to overcome the losing streak and steal all of Pittsburgh’s momentum generated from their last game. 

Minnesota is currently averaging 25.7 points per game, mainly using the passing game to achieve success, with Kirk Cousins being one of the top passers in the league. However, after losing their second straight game against the Lions, the Vikings have a big responsibility. They must win all of their remaining games to have any chance at making the playoffs. 

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds Comparison

Although the Vikings are coming to this game with the odds in their favor, the Steelers haven’t played their best football lately, going 2-2-1 in their last five games. Pittsburgh also has had issues this season getting wins on the road with a record of 2-3. For the Vikings, when playing at home this season, the total has gone under in four out of five games, which is equal to the Steelers’ results in their last five matchups.

• DraftKings: Vikings to win at -170 on a spread of -3, and the game total is 44.
• FanDuel: Vikings to win -172 on a spread of -3, and the total is 43.5.
• BetMGM: Vikings to win -167 on a spread of -3.5, and the total is 43. 

Godds Pick or Prediction of the Game

The Vikings will win this game at home in a tight matchup. Pittsburgh will continue to apply their game plan, but their defense will not stop the Minnesota passing game. 

As a result, the total will remain under as it has in past matchups between these two, specifically for the Vikings. This appears to be the trend when playing on their home field, and it will repeat itself once again.

• Godds Pick/Prediction: Minnesota Vikings to win the game, and the total stays under.