The Pittsburgh Steelers are fresh off a tough road win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now they’re heading into a critical international matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France. This game means everything, especially with the AFC North race absolutely cooking right now, led by the Cleveland Browns. The entire division is somehow over .500, with three teams sitting at 4-2. Every single game is a battle, and the Steelers are clearly looking to extend their winning streak in the City of Lights.
Paris Showdown Has Some Wild Odds
Despite this game being played on a neutral site in Paris, FanDuel Sportsbook has opened the Steelers as three-point favorites against the Saints. The over/under is set at 44.5, with the Steelers moneyline odds currently at -174. Yeah, the line could definitely shift with any last-minute injury news, but honestly, it feels pretty spot on. The Saints just snatched a victory themselves after J.J. McCarthy’s furious comeback attempt for the New York Giants fell just short. Their offense can be a real handful, but their defense, outside of Chase Young and a few other key guys, looks vulnerable. The big question for the Steelers will be getting off to a faster start on both sides of the ball.
Rookies and Vets Stepped Up in Tampa
That Buccaneers game was a wild ride, wasn’t it? For much of it, the Steelers felt totally stuck in neutral, like the offense and defense just couldn’t quite connect. But man, did they ever kick it into gear down the stretch, snatching victory right from the jaws of defeat. Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard was absolutely fantastic, and he’s clearly earned Aaron Rodgers’ trust in a hurry. You know that’s not an easy thing to do, but Rodgers and Bernard were looking like the Rodgers and Cobb connection from those old Packers days. D.K. Metcalf also put in a big game, making critical plays when it mattered most. With the receiver room getting healthier, those two are going to need to keep making plays. Jaylen Warren slowed down from his usual torrid pace, but Rico Dowdle was effective on Sunday. Still, it was Warren making the big plays when they hit overtime.
This is the NFL, and every single game is a brutal fight, but the Steelers absolutely need this win in Paris. Vegas seems to think they’ll get it done. The key is going to be that fast start on offense and defense; they can’t afford to come out flat again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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