Oct 9, 8:41am | 4 min read

NFL Picks Against The Spread: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL

Brandon Sommermann

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Lifelong Eagles fan Brandon Sommermann breaks down Sunday's Steelers vs. Eagles game and gives us his picks

ANALYSIS

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

Spread: Pittsburgh -7.0

Over/Under: 44.5

Kickoff: 1:00pm

TV: FOX

Just when you thought the Philadelphia Eagles season was on the line, they find a way to pull it together. Going all the way to the West coast to get win No. 1 on the season and, yes, take over first place in the NFC East.

The Eagles, at 1-2-1, have the lead in the NFC East because of their Week 3 tie against the Cincinnati Bengals. Something that was criticized initially. But, could be an advantage in a division that the winner will more than likely have a record under .500.

Pittsburgh enters the game off an unexpected bye due to Covid-19. A Steelers team that has had an easy road to a 3-0 start to the season. With wins coming against NY Giants, Denver Broncos, & Houston Texans, whose records combine to 1-11 on the season.

After taking advantage of rookie QB Joe Burrow in Week 3, 8 sacks on 18 pressures, the Eagles defense continued its dominance against the 49ers. Sacking 49ers QB Nick Mullens 5 times on 15 pressures. But, they face a much tougher task this week against a Steelers line that has only given up 5 sacks in 3 games so far this season.

The savior for the Eagles last week was undrafted, practice squad signee Travis Fulgham. With Fulgham’s 4th-quarter, over-the-shoulder TD grab being the difference. This week, Fulgham may not even see the field with the return of JJ Arcega Whiteside & the possible return of Alshon Jeffrey. Which, with the Steelers giving up an average of 252 yards through the air, will be a big difference maker in the outcome on Sunday.

The Steelers, who rely heavily on their TEs, have a plus matchup against the Eagles' weak LB group. A group that lost starter TJ Edwards last week to injury. Now, with often-out-of-place Nathan Gerry leading the way, the Steelers look to take advantage of a depleted group which has given up 286 yards and five TDs to TEs so far this season.

While the Steelers haven’t been tested yet this year, they are 9-4 after bye weeks int he Mike Tomlin era, something that will have to continue if the Steelers want to bet an Eagles team that seems to have turned a corner the past two weeks.