Week 3 of the NFL preseason kicks off Thursday as the Carolina Panthers host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final exhibition matchup for both teams. Carolina enters the game after suffering back-to-back losses — 30-10 to the Browns and 20-3 to the Texans. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh comes in with a 31-25 win over the Jaguars and a 17-14 loss to the Buccaneers. With the regular season approaching, both teams are expected to sit most of their starters, using this game instead to finalize their 53-man rosters, evaluate fringe players, and determine who might be placed on the practice squad or cut.
Steelers -5.5
The Steelers remain somewhat of an enigma, largely because we haven’t seen Aaron Rodgers take the field yet, and likely won’t get a clear picture until their Week 1 matchup against the Jets. That said, some starters along the offensive line have seen action, and there’s talk that a few key defensive players might also get limited snaps. On the other hand, the Panthers have appeared uninspired during preseason play and reportedly don’t plan to give their young core any additional reps before the regular season kicks off.
Under 35.5 total points
The Steelers have shown both a high and low-scoring game this preseason, while the Panthers have totaled just 13 points in two contests. With no key playmakers expected and defenses battling for roster spots, this game leans under even as the total drops.
“The Panthers’ reserves have struggled to put up points all preseason. Pittsburgh is likely to focus on controlling the clock and leaving Carolina healthy,” Hartstein noted. “The line has already moved down a point. Expect something like a 20-10 final and take the Under.”
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