Steelers vs. Eagles: TNF betting odds, preview, and pick

The annual preseason “Battle of Pennsylvania” will take place at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Steelers enter with a degree of momentum on their side, as they throttled the Dallas Cowboys in last week’s Hall of Fame Game, 16-3. The Eagles will be making their preseason debut in this one.

Who will emerge victorious? Let’s start finding out.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (0-0), 7:30 p.m. ET

How much will Big Ben, Hurts play?

After missing the entirety of the Hall of Fame Game, it’s reasonable to expect that Ben Roethlisberger will suit up for a couple of drives on Thursday night, though that’s pure speculation.

Jalen Hurts – who has allegedly struggled in camp so far – will likely get the chance to figure some things out against live opposition on Thursday night.

Pittsburgh appears to have the edge in terms of quarterback depth, with the promising Dwayne Haskins competing for the backup job with the incumbent Mason Rudolph. Haskins went 8-for-13 in the preseason opener for 54 yards, leading his team to 10 points, so look for him to make his presence felt.

The Eagles have declining 36-year-old veteran Joe Flacco as No. 2 on the quarterback depth chart, and a questionable Nick Mullens (offseason elbow surgery) behind him.

Steelers bring consistency, Eagles are overhauling

After going 12-4 in 2020, the Steelers didn’t have to do much to improve in the offseason. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool are the clear top three wide-out options. James Conner was replaced at running back with a gifted rookie in Najee Harris, who should see plenty of touches in this one.

Pittsburgh was third in total defense last year, and are bringing back the majority of their starters for the 2021 campaign.

The Eagles – who went 4-11-1 last season – are just getting their feet wet in the Nick Sirianni era, while also distancing themselves from Carson Wentz. Their offensive line is a work in progress, and their defense is a mess, especially in the secondary.

Not having No. 10 overall pick and Heisman Trophy-winning wide-out Devonta Smith (knee) ready for the start of the preseason is a setback.

Steelers vs. Eagles injury report

Steelers and Eagles betting trends

• The Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six Thursday games.
• The Steelers are 23-8-2 ATS in their last 33 games as an underdog.
• The Steelers are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games played in August.
• The Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last six Thursday games.
• The Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last six games as a home favorite.

The verdict

It looks like the wrong side is favored here. Underdog bettors should pounce on the stronger and more stable team in the Steelers.

Predicted Final Score: Steelers 17, Eagles 10

NFL preseason pick: Steelers +1.5