The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the week as favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles. Here’s why those odds have yet to change.
Don’t let the 1-2-1 record fool you. The Pittsburgh Steelers are more than likely about to face their most difficult opponent so far in the 2020 season. While Philadelphia may not be the toughest team on their schedule this year, the Eagles are more than capable of stealing this game at Heinz Field.
Early this week, the Steelers opened the game as a touchdown favorite over the Eagles in the game that is set to take place at 1:00 PM ET in Pittsburgh. As of Friday afternoon, that 7-point line has yet to shift in either direction, courtesy of The Action Network.
Why the Steelers are still favored by a touchdown
To be honest, I originally thought this line was going to shift slightly back towards Philadelphia (and it still could before kickoff). However, it’s not hard to see why oddsmakers had a hard time adjusting the needle in this one.
Though the Steelers historically have not fared well against the Eagles (Pittsburgh lost their last contest by 31 points), Mike Tomlin’s team holds a few advantages heading into Sunday’s contest.
For starters, the Steelers are one of the healthiest teams in the league. Apart from a few lingering injuries to Derek Watt and Marcus Allen (who are hardly essential pieces), they have been blessed with good health this year. Diontae Johnson was able to recover from the concussion he suffered against the Texans in Week 3 and should be set to go on Sunday.
On the other hand, the Eagles have been at the center of misfortune when it comes to their health in 2020. Doug Pederson’s team already lost two of their three top offensive tackles in Jason Peters and Andre Dillard. Now, it appears that former All-Pro right tackle, Lane Johnson, could miss Sunday’s game as well. On top of this, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, and S Rodney McLeod may not suit up this weekend.
In addition to Pittsburgh remaining relatively healthy, they are also coming off a bye and have had ample time to prepare for the Eagles. After hearing that their game against the Titans would be postponed, the Steelers were able to set their sites on Philadelphia. The Eagles, however, are coming off a Sunday night game in Week 4 and are on the road this week (albeit, just a few hours away).
Unless there are some big developments between now and kickoff, I don’t expect this line to change much (if at all). It looks like the Steelers will be touchdown favorites against the Eagles in Week 5. Let’s hope they take care of business.