Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers(-14.5)
Game Total Line: (37)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Despite losing 22-17 to the Jets on Sunday, Pittsburgh (10-4, 8-6 ATS) backed into a playoff spot. The defeat ended a four-game winning streak; the Steelers also failed to cover for the first time in three games.

The offense is struggling. The Steelers have scored just 19, 13, 23 and 17 points over the last four weeks, and a big handful of those have come from the defense. Injuries to the line have been well documented, particularly in pass protection, but it was beginning to impact the running game as well. Before Sunday's game with the Jets, Rashard Mendenhall had rushed for fewer than 70 yards in four of his past five games. He bounced back with 100 on 17 carries against New York. Ben Roethlisberger, however, continued struggling. His passer rating has been lower than 88 in four consecutive games.

The defense, on the other hand, is playing pretty well. Had it not been for a kick return touchdown by Brad Smith, the Steelers would have held their fifth straight opponent to fewer than 20 points per game. It's practically impossible to run against the Steelers (63 rush yards allowed per game), and they limited New York-ranked sixth in rush-to just 106 yards and less than four per carry.

Carolina (2-12, 4-10 ATS) squeezed out a 19-12 win over the Cardinals last week, its first win since October. The Panthers covered to end a two-game skid against the spread.

Jimmy Clausen finally showed some flashes under center, playing a mistake-free day. The rookie completed 13 of 19 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he didn't throw any interceptions. Of course, it's much easier to play efficient football with a good running game. Jon Stewart has been great since returning from a concussion, averaging 115 rush yards over his last four games. Stewart pounded the Cards for 137 yards on 27 carries.

On the other side of the ball, Carolina held the Cardinals to just 218 yards, though they lucked out in facing struggling rookie John Skelton and a poor running game. The Panthers have been victimized on the ground, allowing 126 yards per game this year, but the Cardinals couldn't take advantage.

Carolina and Pittsburgh have met four times in franchise history. The Steelers are 3-1 and have covered all four times. They last met in 1996, when Pittsburgh dominated 37-3. The total has gone over in their past three meetings; BetUS.com has set the spread for Thursday's game at 37 points.

Point Spread Pick

Take the OVER 37 at 5Dimes on game day for reduced juice betting!