Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds & Game Pick (2021)
Two teams in a must-win situation will face off Thursday night in Minnesota, as the Steelers are coming off their most critical win of the season, squeaking by division rival Baltimore. For the Vikings, on Sunday they gave division foe Detroit their first win of the season and now must quickly regroup if they want to keep their season alive.
Let’s take a closer look at where the value remains as kickoff approaches.
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Details
- Opening Line: Vikings -3.5, O/U 45
- Current Line: Vikings -3, O/U 43.5
- Last meeting: September 17, 2017, Vikings 9, Steelers 26
Overview
Currently sitting just outside of the AFC playoffs, the Steelers continue their must-win campaign this time on a short turnaround. Coming off arguably their biggest win of the season, a 20-19 victory vs. the Ravens, the Steelers are largely in control of their own destiny but the road just gets tougher. They are playing teams above .500 from here on out.
For the Vikings, things are getting even more critical as they sit outside the playoffs themselves with a record of 5-7. While the offense has been decent throughout the season, including in the loss to the Lions last week, the defense has an increasing number of issues. Heading into this week, they rank 22nd in the league in allowing 364.1 yards per game.
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Trends
- Steelers are 0-5 ATS in L5 following an ATS win
- Over is 4-1 in Steelers L5 on turf fields
- Vikings are 1-9 ATS in L10 in the role of favorite
Bottom Line
The improving health of the Steelers defensive core of TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward is a reason for optimism from a unit that is top to bottom one of the most talented in the NFL. For the Vikings, the injury report is heading the opposite direction, as WR Adam Thielen will miss this week with an ankle injury, and RB Dalvin Cook is also trending towards being out with a shoulder injury.
While a win here likely delays the inevitable for the Steelers, I do like for them to get it done in this one.
Pick: Steelers +3
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