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The Pittsburgh Steelers benefited from what many feel was a lucky call on a late fumble, to retain possession of the ball and kick a winning field goal on the road to beat Miami last week. The Steelers improved to 5-1 on the season.

The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, have continued their struggles. A loss at home to the Cleveland Browns is a highlight of their season going sour. Let alone it being a loss, it was a shellacking that really was not close at any point in the game.

As the two teams face off this week, it is becoming a make or break game for New Orleans, while Pittsburgh can really solidify themselves as the team to beat, no questions about it.

NFL Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints

Online betting odds: New Orleans Saints -1

Why to Bet Pittsburgh

The Steelers rolled without Big Ben, and are looking even better with him back. The team showed strong resolve in defeating the Miami Dolphins in a close road game, whether they got lucky or not. The key to this game, as with most Pittsburgh games, is the daunting Steelers defense. Pittsburgh needs to get off to a fast start and shut Brees and company down. Unlike last season, the Saints have not been able to show that they are an explosive offensive team that can strike at any moment. Perhaps it is due to the lack of the running game, but Brees is off to what is perhaps the worst start of his career. The Steelers defense is not one that an opposing quarterback can go up against, and succeed.

Why to Bet New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints are hardly playing like the defending Super Bowl Champions. Losses to mediocre teams such as Arizona and Pittsburgh have put the Saints in a tough position when it comes to the rest of the year. The Northbet review home game against the Steelers will be the type of game where if New Orleans can succeed in moving the ball, it can bring them confidence for the remainder of the season. The Saints are a quality ball club, and have a lot of talent. It seems as if this season, they have been underestimating their opponents, which they did not do last season. This is a make or break game for the Saints, and the odds are very favorable to pick them.

How it will Play Out

While the Steelers are the better team right now, the Saints have to be hungry after the loss to the Browns. The stats and paper would dictate to take the Steelers in this one, but I’m going to back the Saints. With low points to cover, the team and the bettor has the same objective, to win the game. And the Saints need to do so more than Pittsburgh does.

Steelers vs.  Saints Betting Pick: New Orleans

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