Steelers underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams this week
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been favored in many games this season. Here’s why they continue to be underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Steelers may have emerged victorious last week, but that wasn’t because they were favored against the Indianapolis Colts. With the defense once again holding down the fort, the game came down to a missed Adam Vinatieri field goal attempt late in the contest to help the Steelers advance to 4-4 on the season.
This week, the Steelers play a similarly competent opponent in the Los Angeles Rams. Just one year removed from playing in the Super Bowl, Sean McVay’s Rams are a 5-3 team desperate to make a push in the second half of the season.
Because of this, it’s not surprising that the Steelers are once again considered underdogs in this contest. Pittsburgh is +3.5 against Los Angeles at home this week, courtesy of The Action Network.
While we saw the line shift in Pittsburgh’s favor a bit prior to kickoff last week, I’m not sure if the same can be expected against the Rams. Receiver Brandin Cooks has been ruled out for the contest, according to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN:
Brandin Cooks is en route to Pittsburgh to meet with specialists, Sean McVay said, to further look into his concussions. He has also been ruled OUT for the game.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) November 6, 2019
In addition, linebacker Clay Matthews has been limited with a jaw issue. For Pittsburgh, running back James Conner is not expected to play:
BREAKING: RB James Conner (shoulder) not expected to play Sunday against the LA Rams
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) November 7, 2019
Steelers defense has been on fire as of late, but the offense needs to start kicking things into gear. While it will help that the Rams will be without Brandin Cooks, their offense still has the firepower to get open across the middle of the field, and Cooper Kupp is coming off the best game of his career – a 7 catch, 220-yard performance against Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh’s biggest challenge lies with quarterback Mason Rudolph and whether or not he will be able to get the ball rolling on offense this week. Though he has had some close games, Rudolph has not progressed like some were hoping for at the halfway point of the season.
dark. Next. What the Steelers must do to defeat the Rams in week 10
The Steelers certainly will have a challenge on their hands in Week 10. While most experts will predict them to fall to 4-5 after this week, I don’t envision this game being a blowout in either direction. Pittsburgh will hang in this contest. If they can get things clicking on offense, they could upset the Rams and find themselves with a winning record for the first time this season.