New Orleans Saints vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart (11/13/22)

The 3-6 Saints will face the 2-6 Steelers in Pittsburgh in week 10 to determine which team will add a seventh loss to their resume. The Saints have a short week after getting manhandled by the Ravens on Monday night, while the Steelers should be well rested following a week 9 bye. Let’s take a look at the injuries and matchups in this inter-conference battle to see who has the edge.

New Orleans Saints Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds

Vegas favors the Saints (-1.5) over the Steelers (+1.5). Given the inconsistency both teams have displayed this year, the spread is small. The over/under is 41.5, mainly this low thanks to the Steelers who average just 15 points per game.

New Orleans Saints Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction

Nothing looks right on the Steelers offense. Rookie QB Kenny Pickett is turning the ball over and making poor decisions passing the football, despite being known for his efficiency at Notre Dame. However, Pickett is hardly the Steelers only problem on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line has played poorly, the team just shipped WR Chase Claypool to the Bears, and RB Najee Harris is the subject of memes due to his lackluster play 10 weeks into the season.
https://ifunny.co/video/najee-harris-found-a-way-to-not-get-a-ist-aN9kFXdz9?s=cl
Even the defense has struggled, falling to 4th worst in the league and giving up 395.1 yards per game. They hope reigning defensive player of the year T.J. Watt will return from injury this week and create some chaos, but even Watt’s return may not be enough to help.

The Saints fell back to Earth after whooping and shutting out the Raiders two weeks ago, losing to the Ravens on Monday Night Football 27-13. Before the 4th quarter, the offense managed just two field goals. It’ll be interesting to see if the Saints continue to start QB Andy Dalton over QB Jameis Winston after Dalton underwhelmed, throwing a costly interception and struggling to drive down the field. The biggest issue for the Saints is likely the injury bug they’ve caught Key players C Erik McCoy, DE Marcus Davenport, and LB Pete Werner all exited the Ravens game early. While HC Dennis Allen emphasized that they need to play more consistently in all three phases of the game after the loss, they may also need to get their players healthy.

I’m taking the Saints to win & cover on the road. Though the Steelers have extra rest and the Saints have injury concerns, they have overall played at a higher level throughout the season and have more at the QB position.

Prediction: Saints 17-13, Under hits.

Betting Trends

Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.

Key Injuries

New Orleans Saints Injuries: Erik McCoy (Q), Mark Ingram (Q), Jarvis Landry (Q), Marshon Lattimore (Q), Marcus Davenport (Q), Trevor Penning (Q), Dylan Soehner (Q), Pete Werner (Q), Chase Hansen (O), Jerald Hawkins (Q), Forrest Lamp (Q)

Pittsburgh Steelers Injuries: Myles Jack (Q), William Jackson III (Q), Josh Jackson (Q), Larry Ogunjobi (Q), Levi Wallace (Q), Chris Boswell (Q), T.J. Watt (Q), Damontae Kazee (Q)

Key Matchups

The Saints Receiving Corps vs the Steelers Secondary

The Saints have been undermanned at receiver with Jarvis Landry out since his week 3 ankle injury and WR Michael Thomas on IR for toe surgery. The Saints have had other pass catchers step up such as rookie standout WR Chris Olave and TE Juwan Johnson. Olave had a solid 6 receptions for 71 yards versus the Ravens while Johnson scored this impressive touchdown below.

Juwan Johnson with his 3rd TD catch of the season ⚜️#BALvsNO | 📺: ESPN (FOX-8 locally) pic.twitter.com/ZrDXqIqKk2

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 8, 2022

The Steelers 2nd to last ranked pass defense should give the Saints weapons an opportunity to make some plays. The Steelers hope their pass defense steps up after trading for Washington CB William Jackson III and getting S Damontae Kazee back from injury.

Kenny Pickett vs Saints Secondary

The Saints go into Pittsburgh with the 9th best passing defense, allowing just under 200 yards per game at 199.7. They have done a good job limiting opposing passers as of late, giving up less than 150 passing yards to QB Lamar Jackson & QB Derek Carr in back to back weeks. The one area where the Saints pass defense has struggled is in the turnover department. The Saints have only intercepted two passes through 9 games. This could change when they go up against Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett, who is tied for the second most interceptions this season with 8, despite only playing in 5 games this season. He averages just 5.8 YPA and has a measly 36.7 QBR. The Saints should be able to win this matchup easily and control the game.

New Orleans Saints Depth Chart

QB: Jameis Winston
RB1: Alvin Kamara
RB2: Mark Ingram II
LWR: Michael Thomas
RWR: Chris Olave
SWR: Jarvis Landry
TE1: Adam Trautman

Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart

QB: Kenny Pickett
RB1: Najee Harris
RB2: Benny Snell Jr.
LWR: Diontae Johnson
RWR: George Pickens
SWR: Steven Sims
TE1: Pat Freiermuth