Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts Picks, Tips & MNF Predictions

Indianapolis is a better team since Jeff Saturday took over, especially when it comes to Jonathan Taylor and a run offense that’s been a big disappointment. But Taylor has been real solid the last two weeks. Pittsburgh isn’t easy to run on but teams can throw against it, especially if the Steelers need to put resources in to stop the rushing attack. 

Pittsburgh has had three primetime games this season; they’re 0-3, losing by 12, 6, and 7 points. Kenny Pickett’s completion percentage has dropped three straight games and he has one TD. Indy’s defense ranks 11th vs. the run and sixth vs. the pass. Nothing will come easy, especially on the road at night. Lock in the Colts while laying under a field goal if possible as one of this week’s favorite plays. 

Last week, Pittsburgh’s offense scored a season-high 30 points, but the defense allowed 37, the most since it was pounded 38-3 at Buffalo. Despite legit offensive weapons on both sides, the defenses are what stir these drinks. Indy ranks No. 5 in the NFL in total defense, the Steelers aren’t good vs. the pass but have limited teams to 20 or fewer points in three of the last five games. 

The Under has hit in four of five Colts home games 

The Steelers have won 11 of their last 12 games on Monday Night Football, but most of those games had a future Hall of Fame and Super Bowl-winning QB under center, and a defense that everyone respected. Pittsburgh brings neither of those things to the table in Week 12. 

The Colts, however, do. Well, Matt Ryan should have won a Super Bowl but that’s beside the point. With a better defense, a rushing attack that has bounced back, and another week under the belt with Ryan and Saturday leading the way, Indianapolis -140 is a good bet on MNF. 

Jonathan Taylor, Under 86.5 Rushing Yards

Odds: -115 at DraftKings

Taylor has found success under new coach Jeff Saturday. In both games he’s rushed 22 times, and gained 147 and 84 yards. Prior to that, he’d averaged 15.4 rushes for 60.2 yards since Week 1. 

But the Steelers run defense has done a total flip with the return of T.J. Watt. The Steelers allowed 29 rush yards to the Saints and 62 to the Bengals. Their pass defense remains a sieve, so Taylor may get more action in the pass game. 

Diontae Johnson, Under 46.5 Receiving Yards

Odds: -110 at BetMGM

Johnson has become, at best, a No. 2 option for rookie QB Kenny Pickett, as he’s drawn identical targets over the past two weeks. Only once in the last five weeks has Johnson eclipsed 42 yards. 

It’s hard to imagine a breakout game for Pickett or Johnson against a Colts defense that’s allowing 177.8 pass yards per game since Week 4.