NFL Betting: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans Odds

After watching both teams play in September, the Steelers – not surprisingly – dress up as dogs for the first this in this series (2-1 SU & ATS, all as favorites).

It should also come as no surprise that the numbers look awfully good for the defending AFC champs in this rare underdog role.

For starters, they are 5-1 ATS as dogs versus the AFC South. In fact, the dog in Pitt / AFC South matchups is a bone-jarring 10-1 ATS.

And in his rare trips to the kennel, HC Mike Tomlin is 9-5 ATS when taking points, including 9-1 ATS if the O/U total is less than 45 points.

There’s no question this is a step-up game for the Texans and if they pass this test, they are indeed the new Kings of the Hill in the AFC South.

And while they gave a supreme effort last week in New Orleans before falling late, our betting database reminds us that in its franchise history Houston is just 2-7 SU and ATS in games off its initial loss of the season.

We should also point out that HC Gary Kubiak has not handled success well in his fi ve-plus years in the league, posting a 7-19-2 ATS mark when his team is .500 or greater.

Tomlin failed to grab the bone on opening day against Baltimore. Not today. A must take.

The current betting is Texans 3-point favorites versus the Steelers, while the game's total is sitting at 45½.

Betting Stats:

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Pittsburgh is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games