The Pittsburgh Steelers are in select company with their 11-0 record, as only a dozen teams in league history have been able to accomplish the feat. The 2020 Steelers have soared past many of the top teams in franchise lore to this point. Before this season, the 1978 Steelers had owned the best start in team history when they won seven consecutive games. Pittsburgh will look to keep their hopes of a first undefeated season alive when they host the Washington Football Team on Monday. Kickoff from Heinz Field is set for 5 p.m. ET.
Not even COVID-19 scares and three postponements could prevent the Steelers (11-0) from staying on its historic course in Week 12. They outlasted a shorthanded Ravens squad, 19-14, last Wednesday. Washington (4-7) is trying to keep pace with the 5-7 New York Giants in the NFC East after a 41-16 win at Dallas in Week 12. Pittsburgh is a 6.5-point favorite in the latest Steelers vs. Washington odds from William Hill Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 43.5. Before making any Washington vs. Steelers picks or NFL predictions for Monday, check out what SportsLine's resident Pittsburgh expert, R.J. White, has to say.
CBS Sports' fantasy and gambling editor, White enters Week 13 on a sizzling 37-28-3 run. It's no surprise, as White twice has cashed huge in the world's most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest.
In addition, White has gone an astounding 8-0 on his last eight against-the-spread picks involving Pittsburgh. Anyone who has followed his NFL picks is way up.
Now, White has looked at Steelers vs. Washington Football Team from every possible angle. You can head to SportsLine to see the picks. Here are the NFL lines and trends for Washington Football Team vs. Steelers:
- Steelers vs. Washington spread: Pittsburgh -6.5
- Steelers vs. Washington over-under: 43.5 points
- Steelers vs. Washington money line: Pittsburgh -290, Washington +245
- PIT: Steelers are 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 home games against teams with losing road records
- WAS: Washington is 1-6 against the spread in its last seven Week 13 contests
Why the Steelers can cover
Pittsburgh's defense entered Week 13 leading the NFL in points allowed (17.1 per game), passing yards per game (193.2), sacks (41) and interceptions (16). Pittsburgh also led the AFC in total defense (298.9 yards per game). The Steelers were also best in the NFL in turnover differential at plus-12. They were second-best in the conference against the run, allowing 105.7 yards per game.
The Steelers were able to eliminate the Ravens from division title contention in the AFC North title with their win last week in a game that was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving. Joe Haden had a 14-yard interception return for a score, while JuJu Smith-Schuster's one-yard TD reception at 13:20 of the fourth quarter gave the Steelers a 12-point lead that provided an adequate cushion the rest of the way.
Why the Washington Football Team can cover
Washington's highest output this season was 27 points before it erupted at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. Antonio Gibson put on a show, running for 115 yards and three touchdowns.
Gibson has run for eight touchdowns during a five-game streak and has gained at least 94 yards three times during that span, posting both of his 100-yard performances against the Cowboys.
Veteran quarterback Alex Smith has completed at least 68 percent of his pass attempts in his four starts, while wide receiver Terry McLaurin has amassed 80 or more yards in five straight contests and eight of 11 this season. Washington has been strong on the other side of the ball, ranking fourth in total defense (309.5 yards) and second against the pass (194.6).
How to make Steelers vs. Washington Football Team picks
White has analyzed this matchup and while he's leaning under on the total, he has discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He's only sharing it here.
So who wins Washington Football Team vs. Steelers? And what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Steelers vs. Washington Football Spread spread you should jump on Monday, all from the NFL expert who's on an 8-0 run on picks involving Pittsburgh, and find out.
