The Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers both picked up important wins to start their 2021 NFL seasons. This week, both teams have the chance to get off to a 2-0 start, as the Steelers host the Raiders in a game with early season implications in the AFC. In our latest NFL betting picks we dive into Raiders vs Steelers and give our reasoning as to which bet is the best in this matchup.
Raiders vs Steelers Betting Pick
This game will be played at Heinz Field at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, September 19, 2021.
Why bet the Steelers:
✅ The Raiders got a win in Week 1 against the Ravens, but they trailed three separate times in that game before the Ravens fumbled the game away to them. Expect the Steelers to do a better job of holding on in key moments than Baltimore did.
✅ Pittsburgh shut the Buffalo Bills down in the second half of their Week 1 matchup, coming back from a double-digit deficit to win on Sunday. Their defense was locked in and should continue to be locked in against a Raiders team that was not convincing on offense for the first three quarters against Baltimore.
✅ Derek Carr threw for over 400 yards against the Ravens, but a lot of that came in the fourth quarter and overtime against a banged up Baltimore defense. Pittsburgh’s defense is healthy by comparison and has a pass rush that won’t allow as many deep throws for Carr in Week 2.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders won their first game of the season, winning their first home game in front of fans at Allegiant Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite falling behind multiple times in the game, the Raiders fought back repeatedly in the fourth quarter and picked up the victory with an overtime touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Zay Jones. But they face a tougher challenge in Week 2, on the East coast against a team that has a better defense in Pittsburgh.
One thing working in Las Vegas’ favor here is that they will not have to defend a dual-threat quarterback this time around. Lamar Jackson was able to extend plays and run for first downs when needed in Las Vegas. But the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger is a much more stationary target for a pass rush to attack, which could help Jon Gruden’s team rack up sacks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers trailed the Buffalo Bills 10-0 at halftime of their Week 1 showdown in Orchard Park. But Pittsburgh rallied back to outscore the Bills 23-6 in the second half to pick up a seven-point road win to kick off the season. Now, facing a winnable home game against a team that missed the playoffs last year, the Steelers have a genuine chance to move to 2-0 and build a lead in the AFC North.
For the Steelers, the goal for Week 2 outside of winning is going to be developing some offensive efficiency. Pittsburgh barely managed 250 total yards in their win over the Bills, and a similar number won’t cut it against most NFL teams. Expect the Steelers to be more composed offensively against a Raiders defense that is certainly not as good as the one they faced last week.