Monday Night Football sets up as a classic contrast game: a talented but still-developing Houston team against a Pittsburgh team that feels comfortable at home as an underdog. The discussion around this matchup isn’t about star power as much as it is about trust – trust in coaches, trust in situations, and trust in what we’ve already seen on the field.
Cowherd’s Pick: Steelers +3
I’m taking Pittsburgh at home on Monday night. With Mike Tomlin in this spot, that’s a situation I trust. What worries me about Houston is they settle for too many field goals in the red zone. I love C.J. Stroud, but those missed opportunities matter in a game like this.
On the Pittsburgh side, I like the way their offense is coming together. Between Gainwell, Freiermuth, and Jaylen Warren, there’s enough there to keep things balanced. DK Metcalf being back matters. Aaron Rodgers at home isn’t making many mistakes, and Tomlin is a dog in these kinds of games.
I’ve been saying all year how dangerous Houston is, but I can’t unsee what the Steelers did in the second half against the Ravens last week. That stuck with me. Because of that, I think I like Pittsburgh +3.
Middlekauff’s Pick: Texans -3
If this were a Disney movie, I’d take Aaron Rodgers. But it’s not, and I like the Houston Texans. I like them big.
I think this comes to a screeching halt on Monday night. Houston’s pass rush is going to be a real problem in this game, and that’s the difference for me.
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