Week 6 of the 2022 NFL season features a number of exciting showdowns, including a battle between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Tampa Bay has looked shaky, but still owns a winning record and has key players getting healthy at the right time. Meanwhile, the Steelers are aiming to win some games with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett now leading the way.
Buccaneers vs Steelers Odds
According to FanDuel Sportsbook's'NFL odds, Tampa Bay is a heavy -400 favorite on the moneyline (8.5-point spread) in a game with an over/under of 43.5.
Which way should fans be leaning in this cross-conference clash, and where can bettors find value?
Buccaneers vs Steelers Prediction and Best Bet
Looking at the box score is going to lead some to believe that Pickett picked apart the Bills' defense in Week 5. Yes, he racked up 327 yards and completed 65.4% of his pass attempts. However, he threw another costly interception and guided the Steelers to only 3 points across 11 offensive drives.
It won't get any easier for Pickett. The Buccaneers have posted the best pass defense DVOA rating in the NFL and are allowing only 193.4 yards through the air per game (No. 6 in NFL). That facet of their defense makes it hard for any opponent, much less one with a rookie QB, to come from behind to win.
It helps to have quarterback Tom Brady backing up the defense by leading the Buccaneers on one scoring drive after another, too. The 15-time Pro Bowler owns a 9-3 all-time record against Pittsburgh and has tossed a ridiculous 29 touchdowns compared to j ust 5 interceptions across those 12 games.
The Steelers are 0-7 against the spread in their last seven games against a NFC opponent and I don't see that trend ending here. I'll back Tampa Bay -8.5 and also side with under 43.5 points. The idea of Pittsburgh scoring in double-digits against this dominant defense simply doesn't seem realistic.