Our Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers prediction takes a look at the Week 15 matchup that features an underdog team scrapping to make the playoffs. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Dec. 12.
Steelers vs. Panthers Odds
- Spread
Panthers -2.5 - Moneyline
Panthers -135, Steelers +115 - Over/Under
38.5 points
Steelers vs. Panthers Prediction
One of the most impressive active statistics is the fact that Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season as an NFL head coach. He has been the Steelers’ head coach since 2007 and has yet to finish below .500 any given year.
Unfortunately, it seems like we could be barreling towards that streak being broken here in 2022. If Pittsburgh loses this next week to Carolina, Pittsburgh would move to 5-9 on the year, and the best they could statistically finish over the final remaining three games would be 8-9.
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The big storyline coming into this game — aside from Tomlin’s active streak — is Kenny Pickett’s availability. Pickett left Week 14’s matchup against Baltimore early with a concussion, and it’s currently unknown as to whether or not he’ll be available to suit up.
This would leave Mitch Trubisky as the starting QB, who certainly struggled in relief of Pickett against the Ravens. Trubisky had a 73% completion rate, but he had just one touchdown to three interceptions. Against any opponent, turning the ball over that frequently is a recipe for disaster.
The key for Pittsburgh to win this matchup rests on the play of the QB. If Trubisky can take care of the football, while still facilitating some big plays to the Steelers’ playmakers here or there, Pittsburgh could win this game and keep Tomlin’s streak alive for at least one more week.
As for the Panthers’ side of the ball, Carolina is currently riding a two-game winning streak coming into this game and have positioned themselves to make a play for the NFC South division title.
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed impossible for Carolina to be in a position to make the playoffs. Matt Rhule had been fired, Steve Wilks was stepping in as an interim head coach, and the Panthers didn’t have an answer at quarterback.
Since that point though, Wilks has steadied the ship, the defense has been playing much better, and Sam Darnold has been effective enough as a passer to string together a couple of wins.
MORE: Panthers Defense Headline Fantasy Streaming Option in Week 15
The big bright spot for Carolina offensively though has been the success of their run game. D’Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard, and even Raheem Blackshear have been able to do some nice things on the ground to help keep this offense moving.
If the trio of RBs can show up again this week for Carolina against the defense that just allowed J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards to run all over them, we could see the Panthers pull even with Tampa Bay for the division lead as early as this week.
Steelers vs. Panthers Score Prediction
Panthers 20, Steelers 17
