Expect plenty of scores as Saints host Steelers

Sky Sports Action, 9.25pm Sunday

Pittsburgh face the tough trip south to Louisiana knowing that defeat here could put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

A tie with Cleveland in their opening game is currently making the difference for the Steelers but Indianapolis, Tennessee and Miami are all within reach of Mike Tomlin’s side.

Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this year but will take great heat from their huge victory over New England last week, but will have to match the immense scoring power of the Saints in order to do so.

New Orleans have averaged 38 points a game at home this season as teams have struggled to find a way to deal with Drew Brees, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara at the Superdome.

The Steelers however are no strangers to the endzone, having put up 52 points against Carolina and 41 against Atlanta earlier this season.

Sean Payton will be looking to wrap up a first-round bye and home-field advantage as soon as possible, but after a couple of close games with the Cowboys and Panthers recently he knows his team will have to fight to earn the victory.

Considering the offensive capability of these teams, this one has the makings of a high-scoring affair.

Recommendation
Over 51.5 points
2pts 10-11 general

The lowdown
Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap New Orleans -5.5
Vegas points line 51.5

Team news
Pittsburgh
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster suffered a groin injury in practice on Thursday and his progress is being monitored. Running back James Conner remains sidelined.

New Orleans
Wide receiver Ted Ginn is on injured reserve and offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod is out.

Key stat
Only two teams have scored more points than Pittsburgh in the AFC this season.

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