The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1) travel to play the Minnesota Vikings (5-7) Thursday in a battle of the only two teams that have played the Detroit Lions this season and not come away with a win. Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium is set for 8:20 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Steelers vs. Vikings odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
Both teams made statements last week about their playoff chances. The Steelers pulled out a late 20-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive in the stacked AFC playoff chase where a .500 record won’t cut it.
The Vikings pulled defeat from the jaws of victory once again in a 29-27 loss to the Lions as time expired. A victory would have kept them at 6-6 and tied for the final two wild card spots in a not-so-stacked NFC playoff race that will likely see a team make it with a losing record.
Both teams are on the outside looking in for the playoffs and, for the loser of this one, it may be the final nail in their 2021 playoff coffin.
Steelers at Vikings odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:47 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Steelers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Vikings -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Steelers +3.5 (-125) | Vikings -3.5 (+102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Steelers vs. Vikings key injuries
Steelers
- CB Joe Haden (foot) out
- G B.J. Finney (back) out
- LB Robert Spillane (knee) out
- DE Isaiah Buggs (ankle) out
Vikings
- WR Adam Thielen (ankle) out
- OT Christian Darrisaw (ankle) out
- RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder) questionable
- LB Blake Lynch (hip) questionable
- C Cameron Bynum (ankle) questionable
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Steelers vs. Vikings odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Steelers 23, Vikings 20
Money line
I find it somewhat shocking that given their respective results that Minnesota remains a favorite. While the Vikings are getting a lot of players back that they didn’t have last week, including LB Eric Kendricks, LB Anthony Barr and CB Patrick Peterson, they’re still shorthanded on offense, which plays to the strength of the Steelers.
Pittsburgh is almost certain to do everything in its power to take WR Justin Jefferson away from QB Kirk Cousins. Take the STEELERS (+135).
Against the spread
If you don’t think the Vikings will win outright, being given 3.5 points and the team you think is going to win is a gift. Take the STEELERS +3.5 (-125).
Over/Under
A lot of Thursday games, especially recently, have been sloppy affairs that clearly show teams that are beat up and sore and never really get a full practice in over and above a walk-through.
The combined point total has been 32 or fewer points in three of the last four TNF games and 44 points in the other. Both teams are capable of putting up enough points to hit the Over, but two veteran-laden teams on a short week (barring a defensive or special teams touchdown) has me looking UNDER 43.5 (-105).
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