The Mighty Have Fallen

After spending an unprecedented twenty-year span as the league’s top franchise, Patriots fans certainly aren’t used to the team’s current bottom feeder status. New England hit a new low in this miserable season when their Week 15 matchup vs. Kansas City was flexed out of its planned Monday night primetime status 😬

• In hindsight, this week’s bleak Thursday Night Football matchup would have been a better flex candidate. While likely culminating in a blowout, at least the former game highlights the league’s top talent in Patrick Mahomes

• On the other hand, tonight’s battle between the tanking Patriots and the injury-depleted Steelers will be making history 😂

While the Steelers are still firmly in the playoff hunt, one would have to think that QB Kenny Pickett’s ankle injury will take a toll on their chances. The Patriots, on the other hand, are caught up in their own hunt for the rights to draft a franchise-changing QB come April. They would current own the second pick 💩

All in all, it’s hard to see many winners in this underwhelming Thursday night matchup — at least those betting the under will likely have a good night? 🤷‍♂️

Patriots vs. Steelers Betting Preview (subject to change)

• Spread: Steelers -6

• Moneyline: Steelers -290, Patriots +235

• Over/Under: 30.5

Trivia Question: New England ranks last in the league with 12.3 PPG (Pittsburgh is not far ahead at 28th) — which team leads the NFL in scoring?

A Tough Watch

The Patriots’ season — and Mac Jones’ tenure in New England — went from bad to worse so quickly that New England fans have spent most of the year rooting for losses rather than wins. It’s clear that Mac is not the guy, and backup Bailey Zappe hasn’t looked any better, so the Pats surely have their eyes on Caleb Williams or Drake Maye in the draft. The question is whether Belichick will even be there to mentor either young QB next season 👀

• Shifting back to the present, it’s worth noting that the New England defense has remained excellent. Belichick clearly still has his A game on the grittier side of the football, as the D has allowed under 10 points in three consecutive games

• If only the offense could hold up its end of the bargain

Pittsburgh fans actually have a lot more to be excited about, especially the fact that a likely win over the Zappe-led Pats will bring them to 8-5 on the year. The Steelers finally let go of much-despised OC Matt Canada after being outgained in every game to that point and still holding a 6-4 record. The offense has looked marginally better since, but this is still a defense first squad 💪

• Pittsburgh’s makeup somewhat mirrors that of New England, albeit with a less historically incompetent offense. Pickett’s absence has fans concerned, but the young QB has been underwhelming to say the least this year

• As long as backup Mitch Trubisky can lead the offense to double digit points, he can likely secure a win 😂

For My Parlay Gurus

Call me crazy, but I’m taking the historically low under on this one. I don’t see any reason to believe the Patriots’ stretch of offensive ineptitude will end vs. a fierce Pittsburgh defense, and I’m not expecting Trubisky to light up an equally stout New England D. Look for an incredibly low-scoring slugfest, with Pittsburgh pulling out the W behind a strong effort from RB Jaylen Warren 👇

• UNDER 30.5 Total Points Scored: -112

• Jaylen Warren OVER 55.5 Rushing Yards: -113

$100 on this bet would win you $231 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win an Overtime hoodie*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

Want more sports content from Overtime? Check us out on TikTok 🗣

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Join thousands of other informed subscribers

Trivia Answer: The Dallas Cowboys are tops in the league in scoring, averaging 32.3 PPG

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Many will enter, one (1) will win. Void where prohibited. Open to legal US & DC residents 18 years or older. Prize is one Overtime hoodie. Approximate retail value (“ARV”): $65. Entries are accepted until 11:59 pm EST on the day after the bet hits. See Campaign Terms for additional terms. ©2023 Overtime Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.