Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers betting tips and NFL predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers in Week Nine of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event and NFL, 1.15am Tuesday

Best bet

Chicago Bears +6.5
2pts 20-21 BoyleSports

Match preview

Three straight victories have put the Pittsburgh Steelers back in the competitive race for the AFC North, but they might not have everything their own way when they host Chicago at Heinz Field.

The total-points line has been chalked up at 39 and that makes it difficult to make a case for backing the Steelers, who will be almost giving up a converted touchdown to the Bears on the spread.

Much of that reluctance focuses on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and not necessarily just because Mike Tomlin’s team have failed to cover on each of the last six occasions they have been home favourites.

The 39-year-old has been limited in practice this week with hip and pectoral issues and a problem to his throwing shoulder was also cited on Saturday’s injury report.

He has performed solidly in their last three games - he has thrown four touchdown passes and no interceptions - but Tomlin’s comments that there are “things to manage” does not inspire confidence.

The Bears have lost to Green Bay, Tampa Bay and San Francisco in their last three outings, but there were encouraging signs from quarterback Justin Fields against the Niners.

It was his best game as a professional with 175 yards and a touchdown through the air and 103 yards rushing that included a score, so that should have boosted his confidence no end.

Khalil Herbert also ran for 72 yards and they can do damage against a Steelers run defence that is not as strong as it used to be.

The Steelers’ recent results may look good but it still took them until overtime to squeak past a Geno Smith-led Seattle, so Chicago should be able to keep this close.

The Pittsburgh offence was ugly in producing just 15 points in their win over Cleveland last week and it is difficult to see them playing with the required style to blow the Bears away.

The lowdown

Venue Heinz Field
Surface Grass
Weather Clear, 11C
Vegas handicap Chicago Bears -7
Vegas points line 39

Key stat

The Steelers are 0-6 against the spread in their last six games as home favourites.

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