Is Washington capable of a road upset against the Steelers?
As the Washington Football Team gears up to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a pivotal matchup for both teams, there has been a lot of conversation behind Washington pulling off the road upset. Sure, it may be the case of fans being optimistic after their team has won two straight games for the first time this year, and is tied for first place in the NFC East, and fresh off of watching the Steelers struggle to beat a depleted Baltimore Ravens handily. However, does it make the odds for Washington that much better? Or will this be the week that a frustrated Steelers team corrects their weeks-long issues against a less-talented Washington team?
The Steelers come into this week frustrated from an offensive perspective. A unit that ranks 22nd in yards per game, minus the Cincinnati Bengals game, has struggled over the past few weeks to get things going early and consistently move the ball. Their defense has saved them on multiple occasions throughout the season and has contributed to the team being sixth-best in points per game.
From a gambling standpoint, the Steelers are currently a 10-point favorite, so there are reasons to believe Washington is the play. The Steelers have a quick turnaround, Washington has had an extended rest period with more time to study the Steelers, and Pittsburgh has gone 1-7 against the spread in their last eight games when favored by double digits.
However, don’t let the history of Pittsburgh struggles finally convince you that this Washington team is primed for a stunning upset on the road. Washington has had their struggles in these spots as well, and again, they are not the more talented team in this instance. In the last ten games in which Washington was an underdog by ten points or more, they’ve gone 7-3 against the spread; however, they are 1-9 straight up in those games. Furthermore, since 2017, when Washington played a game where they had more than six-days rest, they are 0-11 against the spread. So, when you combine the circumstances that Washington currently faces, not only are they losing the game, but they are, from a scoreboard perspective, not even in the game.
Okay, there you have it; the numbers are there for you to analyze. Keep in mind the motivational standpoint too, both Washington and Pittsburgh are fighting for something. Pittsburgh wants to remain ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs to keep the number one seed in the playoffs, as that is the only way to secure a bye week plus home-field advantage. Alternatively, Washington is still alive, albeit in a terrible NFC East this year, and must take advantage of the momentum that they have to find a way to win against a team (or two) that they are not expected to beat. We all hope that it is a good game this Monday, and for Washington fans, let us all hope for the best and get that one upset out of the way this week.