NFL Monday Night Betting |
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers clash this Monday night at Candlestick Park in an inter-conference showdown that has major playoff ramifications for both teams. The kick-off is set 8:30 p.m. (ET) and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Pittsburgh is tied for the best record in the AFC at 10-3 straight-up (6-7 against the spread) but is still chasing Baltimore in the AFC North which has the same record and the tie-break for the division title. The total has gone 6-7 in its 13 games this season.
The Steelers have lost just once in their last nine games and bring a four-game winning streak into this game, but have some major concerns at the quarterback position. Ben Roethlisberger is still recovering from a high ankle sprain and remains day-to-day for this game. If he cannot go, then look for Charlie Batch to get the start on Monday night.
San Francisco clinched the NFC West title a few weeks back, but last week’s shocking 21-19 loss to Arizona as a 3.5-point road favorite was its second in its last three games. The 49ers are now 10-3 SU on the year and a very profitable 10-2-1 ATS, but tied with New Orleans for the No.2 seed in the conference. The total has gone 6-7 in their 13 games this year.
Look for San Francisco to try and get back to basics against Pittsburgh with a running game led by Frank Gore and a shutdown defense that is ranked first in the NFL in points allowed; giving-up an average of just 14 points a game.
Pittsburgh is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games on the road, but it is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against a team with a winning record. The total has gone over in six of its last eight games on the road.
San Francisco is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following a SU loss and 11-2-1 ATS in its last 14 games overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in six of its last eight games.
The availability of Roethlisberger for this game will have a major impact on the closing line which you can track at BetAnySports.com. That being said, stick with San Francisco to come away with a huge win at home regardless of who is behind center for the Steelers as it atones for last week’s ugly loss.
The Free NFL Pick: San Francisco 24 Pittsburgh 16
