Steelers vs. Panthers Odds
What a 180 this Panthers team has made.
They are 2-0 since Sam Darnold took over at quarterback and have suddenly found themselves in the race for the NFC South.
Much of their success can be credited to their pass defense, which has allowed fewer than 215 pass yards per game. Although they are one game behind the Bucs, they are primed to pounce on that top spot in the coming weeks. The Panthers have everything to play for.
The Steelers, on the other hand, have been dealing with a revolving door at quarterback. That's part due to injuries, part due to poor performances. It seems that Kenny Pickett has emerged as the starter, but with his recent injury, we'll likely see Mitchell Trubisky start this Sunday.
The Steelers' playoff hopes are essentially non-existent, with no reasonable chance to win the division. Their only hope is to snag one of the wild card spots, which are few and far between in the AFC.
Steelers vs. Panthers Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how the Steelers and Panthers match up statistically:
Steelers vs. Panthers DVOA Breakdown
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 20 | 19 | |
| Pass DVOA | 20 | 19 | |
| Rush DVOA | 16 | 19 | |
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 29 | 13 | |
| Pass DVOA | 30 | 16 | |
| Rush DVOA | 13 | 11 | |
The Panthers' success heavily relies on the performance of their pass defense, which has been stellar. They are allowing fewer than seven yards per pass attempt, sacking the quarterback on 6% of dropbacks, and allowing an average QB Rating a hair under 90.
Consequently, opposing offenses have developed a respect for this Carolina air defense and instead started to hit the ground, where the Panthers have allowed the eighth-most rush attempts and are giving up more than 100 rushing yards a game to running backs.
Bet Pittsburgh vs. Carolina at FanDuel
Pittsburgh has been average when it comes to airing the ball out, and as mentioned before, the revolving door at quarterback has done nothing but hurt the Steelers' passing game.
All signs point to Trubisky starting this week, causing me to turn to a rushing prop.
Najee Harris has undoubtedly been the Steelers' most productive running back, tallying seven touchdowns while averaging 54 rush yards per game. However, this includes the Monday Night Football game against the Colts, which he left early due to an abdominal injury.
The Panthers really favor the blitz, but this is no issue for the Steelers' run game. Harris has five carries for 10 or more yards when he rushes to the edge of his tackles, allowing him to avoid the extra personnel blitzing up the middle. His 5.1 rush yards per attempt to the left edge is his highest in any direction.
If he happens to get past the line, there is no telling how far he will run if the defensive backs come in an all-out blitz.
Betting Picks
If Carolina has any weakness on the defensive side of the ball, it is on the ground — the Panthers defense is giving up 102 rush yards per game to running backs.
Harris appears to be ready to go for this NFC matchup and I'll be banking on him to have a big day!
Pick: Najee Harris Over 56.5 Rush Yards | Bet to 58.5 |
