AFC Predictions – Jets vs. Steelers Preview

During pre-season AFC Predictions, many touted the New York Jets as a favorite to advance to the Conference Championship, but questions surrounded the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But as two of the hardest-hitting teams in the league are set to collide on Sunday, it’s clear that both deserve a shot at the Super Bowl in Dallas.

Sunday, January 24 at 6:30pm EST

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AFC Odds: New York Jets (+3.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)

Total: 38.5

The home team Steelers have done this before, and Ben Roethliseberger is looking to put the troubled year behind him en route to his 3rd Super Bowl ring. As 3.5-point home favorites, the Steelers hold the edge in scoring – on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

The Steelers have put up 23.9 points/game and only surrendered 15.1. That type of offensive output and dominant defense ensure they’ve got a chance to win any matchup. Pittsburgh is a dominant team against the spread in January – they are an insanely profitable 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games in January. A proven playoff team that can win, stop the ball and score? That’s a team I want to bet on – especially at home.

New York has been playing on the road for 4 of the last 5 weeks. That type of drain (against elite competition) wears on a team physically and mentally. When you throw in the brutal weather of Heinz Field, the Jets are going to be outmatched.

It’s true that the last time these two teams met, the Jets walked away with a 22-17 victory in Pittsburgh, but the stakes were a lot higher for the Jets than the Steelers. The Steelers even had a chance to win the game at the end, but were barely stopped short in the 3rd quarter.

Pittsburgh has won 7 of the last 8 games SU, and only failed to cover twice in that span. Their running game is strong enough to move the chains and their Red Zone efficiency is better than New York’s.

The Jets are still a young team and I’m not convinced Mark Sanchez has what it takes to beat the Steelers at home in the AFC Championship game. Pittsburgh has a title in their sites and won’t be denied at home. My AFC prediction for this matchup is for Pittsburgh to win by more than a touchdown, comfortably covering the 3.5-point spread.

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