Steelers vs. Raiders Predictions for October 13

Our model loves the Pittsburgh Steelers for Sunday afternoon's game in Las Vegas against the Raiders, though there is some hesitation here.

The line opened at Steelers -2.5 and has sat on the -3 despite a number of top Raiders players expected to sit this one out due to injuries.

Sagarin suggests this number should be closer to -6.5 even assuming a healthy Raiders squad.

Our model loves an underlay with the number at 2.5/3, and even more so with a flat 3. 

The Bookie has been among the hottest NFL cappers on the G911 Sports Hub and he just happens to be on Las Vegas Sunday. 

To make matters worse, capper Dan Jones is also on the Raiders and he's gone 6-2 with his last eight predictions.

The overall consensus there is leaning towards the Raiders as well.

Sometimes discipline is needed despite our desire to jump all over Pittsburgh this weekend.

The Raiders Do Limp Into This Game

The Las Vegas Raiders' already thin wide receiver corps might be even thinner for their home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, who suffered an ankle injury in last week's loss at the Denver Broncos, was downgraded to doubtful Saturday afternoon.

The Raiders were already without three-time All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, who is rehabbing a hamstring injury and awaiting a trade. Adams last played for the Raiders in a Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was on the sideline for Las Vegas' Week 4 home win against the Cleveland Browns. Adams was not with the team in Denver last week.

Meyers has caught 25 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown in five games.

Winners and Whiners Prediction

Winners and Whiners is backing the Steelers +3 here

The Raiders can't stop the run, which bodes well for a Steelers team that's top-five in rushing attempts. Pittsburgh will have life offensively and probably exceed 20 points as most of Vegas' opponents do. With their defense, the Steelers shouldn't need more than that.

Pittsburgh has only let one team score more than 20 points all season. Their pass rush should feast on a shaky Raiders offensive line. Las Vegas isn't a threat to run the ball effectively. Sunday's turnover battle should heavily favor the Steelers. Pittsburgh will stop the bleeding this weekend with a much-needed victory. Expect them to win by more than three points.

Action Network Prediction

Action Network is also backing Pittsburgh here.

After their 3-0 start, Pittsburgh has fallen back to earth in recent weeks. They’re now 3-2, following consecutive close losses to the Colts and Cowboys.

Their Week 6 opponent, the Raiders, are no Colts or Cowboys. Las Vegas is one of the more dysfunctional franchises right now, with their top offensive player sitting out with a “hamstring injury” as he awaits a trade, and Aidan O’Connell taking over at quarterback.

It’s not much better on the defensive end for the Raiders. They allowed the Panthers and Broncos to put up season highs in points against them, and they rank 29th in overall DVOA on defense. While this game is in Las Vegas, I don’t think that matters much. The Steelers are a solid enough team to beat up on the league’s lesser outfits, which certainly includes the Raiders.

This line has slid towards the Steelers all week, but try to grab it while it’s still at the key number of 3, even if that means paying a bit more juice.