NFL Free Pick: PITT/NE

Easily the game of the week in the AFC is in Foxboro this Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New England Patriots in a contest that could be a potential playoff matchup.

Bet the Steelers at Patriots

Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Patriots -1 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set at 40 total points.

Key Trend: The Patriots are just 2-9 against the spread in their last 11 games at home, while the over has hit in five of New England’s last six games when playing Pittsburgh.

Key Stat: The Steelers are allowing just 14.5 points per game while surrendering only 168.8 passing games a game and 66.5 running yards a game.

Game Outlook: This is the hardest game to predict on the Week 13 schedule. Both teams are coming off impressive victories and both teams need a win to either keep in their respective division hunts, or at least within the Wild Card race. But ultimately, we think Matt Cassel will struggle against a tough Pittsburgh defense and there’s no way he throws for his third consecutive 400-plus yard passing game. New England has been inconsistent without Tom Brady and with Willie Parker expected to return to the Steelers’ backfield, we like Pitt’s chances against a defense giving up 20.2 yards per game. We think it’ll come down to the forth quarter, but you should see the total go over, as well.

Our Free NFL Pick for the Week 13 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots game is

PITTSBURGH STEELERS +1

TheSpread.com Projected Final Score

Pittsburgh Steelers 21

New England Patriots 20

We also predict that this game will GO OVER THE TOTAL (40 Sportsbook.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS

Bet the Steelers at Patriots

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Posted: 11/30/08 12:00PM ET