Thursday Night Football: Titans at Steelers Expert Pick – November 2, 2023

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: TITANS AT STEELERS EXPERT PICK – The Titans are bringing some newfound life into Pittsburgh on Thursday in the form of rookie quarterback Will Levis.

He will face an experienced Steelers’ defense that veteran head coach Mike Tomlin will have ready to play. There are several injuries that will need clarity prior to Thursday’s game at Acrisure Stadium.

The Odds

Kickoff

When: Thursday, November 2, 2023

Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: Amazon Prime

Public Money: Titans, 55%

Public Bets: Steelers, 57%

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, correct as of  November 1st, 2023.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans were able to hold off the Falcons last week and moved to 3-4 on the season. Mike Vrabel said he does not expect Ryan Tannehill to start, and it will be Will Levis at quarterback again this week. DeAndre Hopkins (toe) and Derrick Henry (ankle) have been limited at practice this week. Right tackle Chris Hubbard has not practiced this week due to a concussion and is questionable to play Thursday.

Roger McCreary missed last week with a hamstring injury but has been limited in practice this week and has a chance to play. Jeffery Simmons has also been limited but expects to play.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Jaguars beat the Steelers at home last week, and the Steelers’ record moved to 4-3. They will be without their best player in the secondary this week, though. Minkah Fitzpatrick will not play in Thursday’s game due to a hamstring injury. Cameron Heyward was designated to return from injured reserve this week and has a chance to play. He was a limited participant on Monday and a full participant on Tuesday.

Kenny Pickett is dealing with an injury to his ribs and has been limited in practice all week. He was forced out of the game last week, and Mitch Trubisky finished under center. Mike Tomlin deemed Pickett a game-time decision.

Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Head-To-Head

The Titans have allowed 25 sacks this season. They are not protecting the quarterback well, and they could be without their starting right tackle. That is a problem against this defense.

T.J. Watt has recorded 8.5 sacks this year, and the team has 22. That ranks eleventh in the league, and they have had one less game due to their bye week. Will Levis will face pressure this week, but he should have open receivers.

The Steelers allow 245.4 passing yards per game, 137.1 rushing yards per game, and 401.4 total yards per game, which is the third-most in the league. The Titans should succeed on offense if the pressure does not force Levis into turnover-worthy plays.

Derrick Henry should have lanes to run through, and the Titans could lean on him again this week. He carried the ball 22 times last week for 101 yards and caught all four targets for 21 yards. DeAndre Hopkins should also have plenty of opportunity if Levis can find him again this week. He has double the amount of targets (53) than Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (25), who is second on the team in targets. Outside of Henry and Hopkins, the Titans do not have many playmakers for the Steelers to worry about. Tyjae Spears is explosive as a backup to Henry but receives limited opportunities in this offense.

The Steelers should also be able to move the football with Pickett under center. The Titans are not far behind the Steelers in total yards allowed, with 362.6 allowed per game. They are weak against the pass and should provide Pickett with throwing lanes. They have improved since Diontae Johnson returned to the lineup but still struggle to score points. This game could turn into a defensive battle, given these two stagnant offenses.

The Picks

Over/Under

The total is 36.5 for this game, which is low but makes sense for this matchup. I would play the under and expect a lot of punts in this game. Levis is still a rookie and could make mistakes, and the Steelers’ offense is underwhelming.

Spread

The Steelers are 2.5-point favorites at home. The Steelers -2.5 are a solid play at home this week if Pickett plays. It should be a physical game on both sides of the line of scrimmage and not a great environment for a rookie quarterback in his second start.

Player Prop

Tyjae Spears has been efficient with the ball in his hands. He averages 5.8 yards per rush attempt and could see a little more volume on a short week with Henry dealing with an ankle injury. His rushing total is 19.5 on DraftKings, and the over is a solid play against this defense.