Steelers vs. Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Gardner Minshew, Colts Shine on Saturday?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Indianapolis Colts for a huge AFC matchup on Saturday. Will Gardner Minshew and the Colts shine after losing last week? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - December 13, 2023, 8:38 AM EST
5 minSteelers vs. Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Gardner Minshew, Colts Shine on Saturday?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit Indianapolis for a huge AFC matchup on Saturday.
The Steelers and Colts both lost last weekend. However, both teams are still 7-6 and in the playoff race in the AFC.
A win on Saturday would be very beneficial. But only one team can get the job done.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, is still injured and unavailable for this game. Therefore, the Steelers will ride out another game with Mitch Trubisky, who couldn't even lead the Steelers to a win over the Patriots last weekend.
On the other hand, the Colts had a four-game winning streak snapped by the Bengals last weekend. Still, Indianapolis has more momentum on its side heading into this game at home.
Will that momentum be enough on Saturday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts.
Steelers vs. Colts Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 16, 2023
- Game Time: 4:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NFL Network
Steelers vs. Colts Odds
- Spread: Steelers +2.5 (-110), Colts -2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 42 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Steelers (+120), Colts (-140)
Steelers vs. Colts Injury Report
Steelers
Questionable: T.J. Watt (Concussion), LB Alex Highsmith (Concussion), RB Najee Harris (Knee), LB Elandon Roberts (Groin), G Isaac Seumalo (Shoulder)
Out: QB Kenny Pickett (Ankle), S Elijah Riley (Ankle), S Keanu Nea l(Rib), LB Kwon Alexander (Achilles)
Colts
Questionable: RB Jonathan Taylor (Thumb), CB Jaylon Jones (Ankle), OT Braden Smith (Knee)
Out: TE Jelani Woods (Hamstring), WR K.J. Hamler (Undisclosed)
Steelers vs. Colts Prediction
The Steelers have lost three of their last four games. Pittsburgh also lost its starting quarterback during that stretch due to an ankle injury. With Kenny Pickett out, the Steelers have elevated Mitch Trubisky to the starting quarterback role.
However, Trubisky has struggled.
This season, he's thrown a completion percentage of 60.7% on 84 attempts. He's also thrown 463 yards with three passing touchdowns and three interceptions to go along with a 35.3 QBR.
The offense wasn't good under Pickett. But it's been worse with Trubisky. He hasn't surpassed 200 yards in any of his starts this season.
The Steelers have averaged 16.15 points per game. They already fired Matt Canada as the offensive coordinator but still don't have a reliable pass-protection unit.
Therefore, the offense has averaged under 180 yards per game in the air and just 112.77 yards on the ground.
The Colts have allowed 131.54 yards on the ground this season. However, the passing defense has played well, especially as of late. The pass rush is the best portion of the defense, and the secondary has fed off the pass rush.
Meanwhile, the Colts have a more consistent offense behind Gardner Minshew. Minshew was also a backup quarterback who was thrown into the fire when Anthony Richardson got hurt earlier in the year.
Although the Colts lost last week to the Bengals, Indianapolis used a four-game winning streak to get back into the playoff race. The offense has added over 24 points per game and has a much better pass protection.
That's really all that matters. The Steelers have a dominant pass rush, but if the Colts can hold their ground and keep Minshew protected, they will escape with their eighth win of the season.
Let's take the Colts at -2.5.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick
- Colts -2.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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