Week 8 of the NFL regular season comes to a close with Russell Wilson’s return to primetime as the Pittsburgh Steelers play host to the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.”
Wilson is looking to build on a come-from-behind victory in his first start for the Steelers as Pittsburgh improved to 5-2 with a win over the New York Jets last week. Meanwhile, the Giants (2-5) try to find some offensive cohesion after totaling 10 points in losing their past two games.
ODDS AND TRENDS
The Steelers are consensus 6.0 points favorites. That includes at BetRivers, where they have been backed by 72 percent of the spread-line money and 96 percent of the moneyline action at -265.
The public clearly doesn’t see the Giants posing much of a threat Monday night, but they do expect to see a few points on the board. The 36.5-point Over/Under at the book has seen the Over supported by 90 percent of the money and 77 percent of the total bets.
PROP PICKS
–Chris Boswell Over 1.5 Field Goals Made (-145 at DraftKings): The Steelers are expected to dominate time of possession, so it makes sense that this is the most popular player prop at the book. Boswell has made 19-of-20 field-goal attempts this season, and has made multiple attempts in five of the Steelers’ first seven games. The only times he has made a lone field goal has come in Pittsburgh’s two losses.
–Najee Harris Anytime TD (-103 at BetRivers): The Steelers’ lead back reaching the end zone at least once has been the most popular play at BetRivers, garnering 1.6 percent of all prop money wagered. Harris has only two touchdowns so far, but that was in part due to the running ability of Justin Fields, who started the first six games at quarterback. Wilson isn’t as big of a threat with his legs at this stage of his career, setting the table for Harris to be the workhorse close to the goal line. He has gained 100-plus rushing yards and a touchdown in consecutive games.
THE NEWS
The Steelers scored the final 31 points of the game against the Jets as Wilson, who missed the start of the season with a calf injury, threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-29 passing and added a rushing score.
Meanwhile, things look dire for the Giants following a 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and a 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, both coming at home. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for a season-low 99 yards and was sacked by the Eagles seven times before Drew Lock replaced him to finish the game.
Giants coach Brian Daboll insisted the following day that Jones remains the starter in New York. Jones didn’t like being pulled, but met with Daboll on their usual schedule to go over the game and targeted improvements.
“I think there’s some things you take from it that you’re trying to learn from. But does it change or is it completely different because he pulled me from the game? No it’s not,” Jones said. “We all got to play better, I got to play better and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
The Giants fell despite rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers playing for the first time in three weeks due to a concussion. The blossoming star had four catches for 41 yards and has 39 receptions for 427 yards and three touchdowns in just five games this season. Teammate Wan’Dale Robinson ranks fifth in the league in receptions (43) for just 303 yards and two scores.
The Steelers, who rank second in the NFL in scoring defense at 14.4 points per game, will be wary of sixth overall draft pick Nabers in particular.
“He attacks the ball when it’s in the air, he makes those competitive plays,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “… Those guys who get a chance to hug Roger Goodell (on stage at the NFL draft), they have some real tangible things and intangible things.”
The Giants boast the league’s sack leader in Dexter Lawrence II, who has 9.0 sacks for 65 yards. T.J. Watt has a team-high 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles for the Steelers and could feast on a New York O-line that’s allowed 22 sacks, third-most in the league.
“I’d say he’s unbelievable,” Daboll said. “… You watch his tape and all the turnovers that he has and the style that he plays with. I mean, he’s one of the best players in the league.”
INJURY REPORT
Lawrence did not practice Thursday as he continues to manage a hip injury and was limited on Friday and Saturday, but he will play Monday. Outside linebacker Brian Burns (groin/Achilles) is also off the injury report after a limited practice on Saturday.
The Giants ruled out punter Jamie Gillan (left hamstring), cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (neck) and linebacker Ty Summers (ankle) after they missed practice all week. Cornerback Tre Hawkins (ankle) was limited on Friday and Saturday as listed as questionable, as was offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (hip). Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott (groin) is doubtful after being limited on Friday and Saturday.
For the Steelers, they ruled out outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring), center Zach Frazier (ankle), wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) and running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle). Offensive tackle Dylan Cook (foot) and linebacker Tyler Matakevich (hamstring) are in the 12-day practice window to come off injured reserve and were ruled out for Sunday.
Fields was added to the injury report as questionable with a sore hamstring.
THEY SAID IT
–“I think after the game, he said to the team that I was the starter going forward. So, I’m going through the week preparing to play and play well. But in terms of his plans … it’s a better question for him.” Jones, on whether Daboll gave him any assurances about being the starter moving forward.
–“What I keep telling him every single game is just keep bringing your stuff, bringing your stuff. Nobody wants to tackle you … Nobody wants to deal with that for four quarters, at least, I know that.” –Current Steelers and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen on Harris’ running ability.
PREDICTION
The Steelers are allowing an average of only 14.4 points per game, while the Giants have totaled 10 points in the past two games. It’s a bad combination, especially on the road against a Steelers team that can grind on the ground and set up Wilson shots over the top to wide receiver George Pickens. –Steelers 27, Giants 16
