Long-time center Jeff Saturday became the first NFL head coach with no previous coaching experience at the NFL or collegiate level in over 60 years when he was tapped to replace Frank Reich by Indianapolis Colts’ owner Jim Irsay a few weeks ago. Now, it’s on Saturday to steer this franchise towards the postseason, and they face a must-win game on Monday Night Football when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. A loss would drop the Colts to 4-7-1, making it very difficult for Indianapolis to get to the postseason if the Colts won the rest of their games this season.
The Indianapolis Colts will look to keep their thin playoff hopes alive on Monday Night Football when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. These teams will square off on Monday, November 28, 2022, at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
NFL Week 12 Betting Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5
Indianapolis Colts -2.5
Total 38.5
Money Line: Steelers +120, Colts -140
Odds Analysis
The total has seen some movement off the opener. The initial NFL betting odds had the total pegged at 40, but action has come in on the Under. That led to the number dropping to 38.5 before bouncing back some. There has been no movement in regard to the side though as Indianapolis is still a 2.5-point favorite.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett looks to be turning the corner in his development. Pickett made a lot of mistakes early on, but he has settled down and has looked decent in his last two starts. He has completed almost 60% of his passes for 464 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers in the last two weeks, and he could be even better if the offensive line could protect him. Pickett has been sacked 14 times the last three weeks, leading to an eagerness to get rid of the ball.
The Steelers have talent at the skill positions as rookie George Pickens has flashed in his first season, and tight end Pat Freiermuth is one of the ten best players at his position. Diontae Johnson is a solid receiver, and Najee Harris is a tough runner that is more effective than you might think at first glance. The offensive line has been dreadful, allowing him to be hit in the backfield far too often, but he is still averaging 3.7 YPC.
This Pittsburgh defense is allowing 24.4 PPG and 375.5 YPG. This front seven has been really good at stopping the run, allowing just 3.9 YPC and 103.4 YPG, and they received a big boost when T.J. Watt returned from a torn pectoral muscle last week. That should help this pass rush and alleviate some pressure on a secondary that doesn’t have much talent outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick.
VIDEO Indianapolis Colts
Matt Ryan is back under center after a two-game experiment that saw Sam Ehlinger taking the snaps. Ryan hasn’t been great, completing 69.2% of his passes for 2,443 yards (6.8 YPA) with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He is a much better passer than Ehlinger though, allowing Indianapolis’ receivers more of an opportunity to make things happen for the offense.
Parris Campbell, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce have all been targeted at least 50 times this season. Jonathan Taylor was expected to have a huge year behind this offensive line, but he has run for just 693 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.6 YPC.
Indianapolis stops the run extremely well with DeForest Buckner in the middle of the defensive line even with Shaq Leonard sidelined by injury. Yannick Ngakoue can get to the quarterback, and we have seen Kwity Paye play well when healthy. The secondary has been better than expected too even if the Colts have just four interceptions on the season.
Steelers at Colts Free Pick
The Under is probably the right side in this game given the defenses and quarterbacks involved. As for a side, Ryan’s experience and home field advantage will give the Colts the edge.
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