Steelers
vs.
Dolphins
NFL Pick
Week 6
10/16/16
The Steelers’ offense seems to be an ever-evolving unit entering Week 6’s trip to Miami. The Dolphins seem to be stuck in the neutral position. ACCording to the 5Dimes Sportsbook, Pittsburgh is a 9-point favorite for this one, and the over/under is 47.
The Steelers opened the season with DeAngelo Williams at running back. Things were just fine. He was among the NFL rushing leaders for several weeks. Then Le’Veon Bell made his return from suspension. He has run for 210 yards and caught passes for another 122 yards in his first two Games back.
Martavis Bryant is suspended for an entire season. Of course Antonio Brown is great, but the receivers needed to adjust some with Ben Roethlisberger. Just look to Sammie Coates for filling the shoes of Bryant in the meantime. The receiver who had all of one reception as a rookie has already caught 19 passes for 421 yards and reached the end zone for the first time last week, as he scored two touchdowns.
Ever-evolving indeed. It doesn’t just end there, either. Roethlisberger is on pace to throw for over 4,700 yards. He is also on pace to throw for 48 touchdowns on the season. Roethlisberger has never thrown for more than 32 in a single season. He’s only thrown for 30 or more twice. Roethisberger is already halfway to that number with 15 TD strikes in 2016.
Ryan Tannehill is talented, but things have been a struggle so far this year. He’s thrown for only six touchdowns and seven interceptions in the first five Games. Tannehill does have some developing targets at his disposal. Jarvis LAndry and DeVante Parker are combining for 142 yards per Game. They’ve each caught one touchdown pass as well.
The running Game has been a big problem, though. Jay Ajayi is, sadly, the leading rusher. He has only 117 yards on 31 carries this season. Ajayi is averaging under 30 yards per Game on the ground. No other back has even reached the 75-yard mark on the season.
This offense will be asked to match points with the Steelers who will be going up against one of the league’s worst defenses. Miami ranks 28th in overall yards allowed per Game and is dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per Game. Expect for Le’Veon Bell to have plenty of opportunities for big Games and for Big Ben to be able to throw over the top of the defense as well.
This is a Game between one of the better teams in the NFL after 5 weeks and one of the worst. The Steelers are getting it done on both sides of the ball. Check out the turnover differential for the Dolphins at -7. Only one team worse than that in that categoty. Steelers -7.5