Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

Pittsburgh has won two in a row, but is mired in ATS slides of 1-4 against Oakland and 1-7 when laying points on the road.

The Raiders, meanwhile, have failed to cover nine of 10 after a bye week, squandering the value of an extra week of rest and preparation in recent years.

Point spread: Steelers opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 40.5. (Line updates and Matchup report)

Computer Prediction: 14.5-14.2 Steelers

Why the Steelers can cover the spread

Don't look now, but the Steelers have won two straight games, and coach Mike Tomlin's scowl is slowly starting to disappear. Things seem to be going Pittsburgh's way after an 0-4 start to the season, right down to special teams, where Shaun Suisham is now 14 of 14 after kicking four field goals for the second straight week.

They have allowed a single touchdown in two games since returning 0-4 from London.

Why the Raiders can cover the spread

While Pittsburgh may come in with a bit of a hangover after wins over the Jets and Ravens, the Raiders will be well-rested after a bye week, which allowed them to get healthy and gear up for the remainder of their schedule. Also, quarterback Terrelle Pryor reportedly worked with quarterback guru Tom House during the furlough.

Smart Pick

With the Steelers showing new life, we don't think the Raiders' off week is going to help one bit. Oakland went into its bye banged up and damaged on the offensive line, and will come into this one against a physical defensive line. The O-Line is apparently still smarting from its first six games and won't withstand the pressure.

Trends:

The Raiders are 1-9 ATS past 10 seasons after a bye week (won in 2012).

The Raiders have played UNDER in eight of 10 seasons after a bye week.

The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their past five games vs. the Raiders.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow them on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.