Steelers vs Titans Prediction, Odds, Trends

This is only the 4th time since 1980 that two unbeaten teams will face each other this late in the season. The 5-0 Pittsburgh Steelers will go on the road to play the 5-0 Tennessee Titans, in what is being dubbed Clash of the Titans.

The underdog is 3-1 ATS in those four games since 1980, but I’m not convinced that trend will continue. I like the Titans to cover as a small home favorite in a statement win. 

Steelers Titans Odds: Tennessee -1 as of Friday at BetRivers | Matchup Report 

Ryan Tannehill continues to roll for the Titans. Since becoming the starting QB in Week 7 of 2019, Tannehill is 12-3 as a starter, and has established himself as one of the best QBs in the NFL. 

This will be the Titans toughest opponent this season, but there are some matchups the Titans can exploit. The Steelers will be without star LB Devin Bush for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, which should open up the middle of the field. Tight End Anthony Firkser had himself a career day against the Texans last week, going for 113 yards and a TD.

The loss of Bush will be crucial for the Titans to get Derrick Henry, and their TEs loose in the middle of the field. 

The Browns struggled against the Steelers last week, however the Steelers defense showed some weakness in their secondary the previous three weeks. Deshaun Watson, Carson Wentz and even Jeff Driskel all threw for at least two TDs and over 240 yards against the Steelers secondary. 

Why the Steelers can cover the spread

At 38 years old, you can make the argument that Ben Roethlisberger is playing the best football of his career. He has 11 TDs and only 1 INT through five games, and has his team undefeated heading into Week 7. 

The Steelers currently own the 1st ranked DVOA rush defense in the NFL, and will have their hands full with Henry, who ran for 220 yards last week. If there is one defense in the NFL that can hold Henry to a mediocre game, it’s the Steelers. 

The Steelers have to take advantage of the Titans secondary. The Titans have the 23rd ranked DVOA pass defense, and have struggled against big plays this year. The Steelers use a quick passing game to attack the defense, however they should look to stretch the field against the Tennessee. 

Steelers Titans Pick

I think the loss of Bush will loom much larger than people think. He was the anchor of that defense, and it will be tough for the Steelers to continue their dominance against the run without him.

The Titans look like the best team in football right now, and I think this will be a statement win for Mike Vrabel and the Titans.