Posted on 12/19/2007 3:15:23 PM

Football Betting Action - Steelers stumble into St. Louis

By BetUS Staff

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked like they would cruise to the AFC North title a couple of weeks ago, but two straight losses now has them tied with the Cleveland Browns for first place in that division. And even though the Steelers hold the tiebreaker in that race (thanks to their two wins over the Browns), they’re still in danger of slipping into second.

That makes Pittsburgh’s game against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night important for their playoff chances. Those who plan on doing any NFL betting on this matchup have already noted that the Steelers are pegged as 7.5-point road favorites against the Rams, but they probably also know that Pittsburgh has won just two of six road games.

Pittsburgh fell 34-13 to the New England Patriots two weeks ago on the road, and they fell 29-22 to the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger went just 16-of-33 for 146 yards passing in that contest, but he did toss three TD strikes on the day. Willie Parker ran for 100 yards on 14 carries as the Steelers dropped to 9-5.

Cleveland’s win at home against the Buffalo Bills put them at 9-5 this year as well. Neither team has clinched even a Wild Card berth yet – the 8-6 Tennessee Titans could still get into the picture – which puts even more pressure on the Steelers to lock up the division title. After taking on the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on Thursday night (kickoff is set for 8:15pm ET), Pittsburgh will play on the road in Baltimore in Week 17.

St. Louis’ playoff dreams were dashed long ago, and a two-game losing streak has put them at 3-11 on the season and in last place in the NFC West division. And while the Steelers have had problems winning on the road, the Rams have been very beatable on their own field. St. Louis has won just once in their seven home games so far this year.

The Rams were knocked around 33-14 at home by the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. Marc Bulger went 20-of-39 for 219 yards passing in that game, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Steven Jackson provided the bulk of the Rams’ offense with 143 yards rushing and a score on 24 carries to go along with his four catches for 27 yards.

St. Louis is 5-9 against-the-spread so far this season, but just 2-5 ATS at home. Pittsburgh is 7-7 ATS overall and 2-4 ATS on the road. The Steelers are 6-8 on the OVER/UNDER this season, and the Rams are 4-9-1. The total for Thursday night’s game at BetUS is pegged at 43.5 points. Check the NFL betting lines section for any updates.

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