A game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers usually has plenty of offensive talent and scores could soar. Even in Week 3 of the preseason when starters generally play the most snaps, that could be a treat for fans. However, the stars won’t be shining at Heinz Field with both teams missing some important pieces. The Colts are hopeful Andrew Luck is ready for the regular season opener while the Steelers need Le’Veon Bell back to make their offense click. It just won’t be the same without them.
This Week 3 preseason matchup will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Heinz Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Indianapolis Colts +5
Pittsburgh Steelers -5
Over/Under 41
Odds Analysis
We typically don’t see spreads this high in the preseason but the Colts will be a 5-point dog for the second straight week. They pushed the bet last week, losing 24-19 to the Cowboys and played over the closing total with the help of a late touchdown. With Roethlisberger expected to play, the Steelers will be favored for the first time this preseason. They were dogs in each of the last four preseason games going 3-1 SU and ATS.
Quarterback Rotation
Andrew Luck remains on the PUP list and Scott Tolzien, despite some shaky play this preseason, is the No. 1 quarterback in his absence. Tolzien will play the first half with the first team offense on Saturday, and he could use the reps. He completed 10 of 14 attempts last week against Dallas, but compiled just 70 yards.
In his two preseason games, Tolzien is 12 of 19 but has just 94 yards and no touchdowns and the Colts have just one field goal with him quarterbacking the team. Indy better hope Luck gets better in a hurry because if Tolzien doesn’t improve, there is no plan B at the moment. Rookie Stephen Morris has been the most effective throwing for 205 yards and leading the team to its only two touchdowns.
We should see Ben Roethlisberger for a series or two as he is expected to make his preseason debut. Rookie Josh Dobbs has made the most of his opportunity with Big Ben sitting and Landry Jones out with an injury. Dobbs started again last week leading the Steelers to a win over Atlanta, but looked like a rookie at times. He completed 10 of 19 passes for 70 yards with an interception.
The Steelers played their first two exhibition contests with Dobbs and Bart Houston quarterbacking the team. Big Ben should play at least one series with the starting offense while it hasn’t been determined yet if Jones will see his first action as he continues to battle an injury. Houston played the final four series on Sunday throwing the eventual game-winning touchdown pass.
Coaching History
The preseason has never been kind to Chuck Pagano, who will record his sixth straight non-winning preseason slate. The best the Colts can finish is 2-2, which is the high water mark for Pagano. Overall, the seventh-year head coach is 7-15 SU and 10-12 ATS.
Mike Tomlin doesn’t put much stock in preseason victories and his record reflects that. Overall he’s 24-20 SU but his Steelers have already won more preseason games than they did in any of the previous four exhibition slates. Minus several starters over the past few years the Steelers have kept the scores down, playing under the closing total in each of the last five preseason games.
Free ATS Pick
The Colts are not going to do much offensively as long as Luck remains out of the lineup. Pagano is sticking with his backup Tolzien, but that’s with the hope of Luck returning in time for the opener. Tolzien has been around a few years but hasn’t done much this preseason and this will likely be his last opportunity this preseason as he’s not expected to play in Week 4. That means the Colts better get something out of him just in case Luck isn’t available.
Pittsburgh will be without one of its offensive stars as Bell continues his holdout. The emergence of James Conner has softened the blow and you can expect the rookie from Pitt to get another go with the first team offense and Big Ben on Saturday.
Indy hasn’t looked good this preseason and the loss of one of the best quarterbacks can do that. But there is no capable backup and Indy’s defense was blitzed by the Cowboys last week. Pittsburgh should have enough to win this game and cover the spread.
NFL Odds: Steelers 26, Colts 15
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