Live NFL Odds – Carolina vs. Pittsburgh on Thursday Night

It’s Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network and we have your live NFL betting odds for the matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers. The struggling Panthers are coming off a win at home, while the Steelers lost a close one to the Jets at Heinz Field. The Steelers host the Panthers as they try to lock up a playoff spot in the competitive AFC.

Thursday, December 23 @ 8:20pm on NFL Network

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 55% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? If so JOIN NOW.]

NFL Betting Odds: Carolina Panthers (-13.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (+13.5)

Total: 37

These teams have only played each other twice since 2002, so we will need to break down recent play, stats and odds to handicap this matchup. Pittsburgh holds the edge in all the important categories except for kicking and penalties.

This is because Panthers kickers get a lot more practice, and the Steelers defense is uber-aggressive. While that does turn into penalty yardage, it will also turn into a hellish day for Jimmy Clausen under center.

Coming into last week’s game against the Jets, Pittsburgh had won 5 of their previous 6 matchups – hitting the Under 4 times with their bruising defense and grinding style of play. Their physical presence on the field and steady play from Ben Roethlisberger

While the Panthers are only 2-6 against the spread in their last 8 games, they might actually be worse than that suggests. They are only averaging 13.1 points/game and are giving up 25.0. They are winless on the road and have only covered 4 times this season (as massive underdogs).

The Steelers are scoring just under 22 points/game, and limited opponents to 15.7. The Panthers strength comes on the ground with Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson – but they will be up against the league’s best rushing defense.

Pittsburgh only gives up 63.4 yards/game and will be daring Clausen to pass the ball. Clausen has 2TDs to 7 INTs on the year, and the interceptions will definitely be up after this game.

This is a big statement game for the 10-4 Steelers as they gun for top spot in the AFC North. With the Ravens playing against the Browns, Pittsburgh will be under pressure to win this game.

Live NFL Odds Free Pick: Take this line before it gets up to -14. The Steelers are more than two touchdowns better than the Panthers. Last week was a winnable game for Carolina and they came out like it was a playoff game. They will be severely outmatched by Pittsburgh in prime time and will be out of this game during the first half.