Raiders Preview: A Visit From The Steelers Offense May Be What The Raiders Need

Jeff Spiegel
Jeff Spiegel
5 Min Read
Sep 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) makes a catch against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, it’s true, after two weeks the Las Vegas Raiders remain in first place in the AFC West (albeit in a tie this time around) — and a game ahead of the 0-2 Chargers and Broncos. And yes, this Sunday’s home game against the Steelers is their most winnable game on the calendar for a few weeks — so for Josh McDaniels and company there’s a lot riding on this one.

The truth is, when you zoom out, Sunday’s game — more than any other on the calendar — is probably the single best litmus test we’ll have to gauge just how good this Raiders team really is. They’re favored, at home, against a floundering Steelers team that hasn’t been able to string any sort of offensive production together.

If the Raiders are a true playoff contender, these are games they absolutely have to win (much like the Broncos game). On the flip side, if they lose this game, where do the wins come from? They probably won’t be favored again until at least Week 6 (home against the Patriots) — and it’s possible they aren’t even favorites in that one!

The point is: Sunday’s game is a big one, so let’s dive into some picks via BetOnline.AG

Last week: 3-2, +.65 units (Season: 5-5, +3.15 units)

Game Total UNDER 43 (-115)

In two games, the Steelers offense has mustered just 19 offensive points — and one of their two offensive touchdowns came on a 71-yard pass. While I don’t think the Raiders defense is good, I think they’re good enough to hold an out-of-rhythm Steelers offense in check. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers defense is legit, and I don’t think the Raiders will have much success moving the ball against them, so I’m taking the game under here.

Najee Harris, Steelers
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Najee Harris OVER 49.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

The Raiders run defense was embarrassing last week, and given that I think this turns into a ball control type game — and because Harris is a bell cow for Pittsburgh — give me 50+ rushing yards for Najee.

Kenny Pickett, Steelers
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Pickett OVER 11.5 Rushing Yards (-115)

Pickett only has five rushing attempts so far, but with Maxx Crosby wreaking havoc off the hedge I could see some plays breaking down and Pickett making some plays with his legs. Given how bad the Pittsburgh offense has been, maybe they lean a bit more on this piece of their offense to try and spark something.

Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders
Sep 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) on the sidelines during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Garoppolo OVER 0.5 Interceptions (-122)

The Steelers’ defense is a playmaking unit, and with TJ Watt blowing all sorts of stuff up for opposing offenses, I could see Jimmy throwing some passes before he wanted to and making a mistake. (I don’t see a line for Watt sacks, but if you find one, I’d pound the over).

Mike Tomlin, Steelers, Raiders
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches a replay against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 26-22. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers MONEYLINE to Win (+130)

I could take the 2.5 points that are out there in most places, but I just don’t feel great about this matchup, so I’ll take the plus odds. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the league, and I think that’s the difference between the two teams that are pretty comparable when it comes to overall ability. I know it’s a home game, I just don’t think the Raiders offense is going to get anything going, and so I think the Pittsburgh defense ultimately wins the day.

Information

Jeff Spiegel was raised in California but currently resides in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from the University of Oregon, he worked in sports before entering journalism full time — first as a Sports Reporter and then as the Associate Editor of a small newspaper. Online, he has been writing about both the Raiders and Dodgers since 2012 — having written for DodgersNation.com and SBNation.com prior to joining both DodgerBlue.com and RaidersNewswire.com. He left full-time journalism in 2012 to become a pastor. Jeff can be found on Twitter at @JeffSpiegel. Favorite Raider This one is an easy one for me: Charles Woodson. When the Raiders drafted him, there was nothing to dislike about the guy — he was exciting and he was freaking good. Unfortunately, of course, he left after eight seasons — but when he returned in 2013 it was one of the better Raider moments of my lifetime. At that point, I didn't care how washed he was (and he wasn't!) — I just liked having him back in the silver and black. Obviously Tim Brown is another guy that was easy to love, but Woodson is the all-timer for me. As far as current, I'm still a believer in Derek Carr and think he's going to figure this all out. Favorite Raider Moment I think I'll go with the two weeks leading up to the 2001 Super Bowl. As a kid, I remember getting the newspaper every morning to read what they were talking about, clipping out the articles to keep for later. It was obviously far more exciting than the Super Bowl itself, but I'll never forget those moments of hope leading up to the Super Bowl. I referenced it above, but second to that was probably the return of Charles Woodson in 2013 — I just loved the guy, and never dreamed he'd actually come back.