Week 6 odds: Steelers open as slim favorites vs. Buccaneers

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an impressive victory over the Indianapolis Colts, despite the injuries to their wide receiver group. Jaylen Warren is performing as a top-five running back in the NFL, and the workhorse role should continu

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What is the story about?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an impressive victory over the Indianapolis Colts, despite the injuries to their wide receiver group. Jaylen Warren is performing as a top-five running back in the NFL, and the workhorse role should continue, even with the return of Rico Dowdle. Germie Bernard stepped into an expanded role and delivered for the offense.

The AFC North is shaping up to be a dogfight until the bitter end, with all four teams above .500. The Ravens sit on top at 4-1, and the other

three teams are right behind them at 3-2. The Browns are technically in second place with their win over Pittsburgh, but their point differential of -19 isn’t sustainable for a full season. Meanwhile, the Steelers have a point differential of 2, and that needs to change.

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Steelers open as 2.5-point favorites despite being the road team on Sunday. The game has an over/under of 40.5, and the Steelers’ moneyline odds are -144. The line will certainly move if Baker Mayfield returns for Tampa Bay, but for now, this line and Vegas believe it will be rookie Jadon Daniels again for the Bucs.

Yes, the Bucs are coming off a big win in Dallas, but the Steelers need to take care of business in Tampa Bay. No matter if Mayfield or Daniels starts, the defense can ill-afford a slip-up on Sunday. Anything is possible in the NFL, but with the way the North is shaping up, every game is important, and while the division isn’t being run away with, keeping pace and controlling your own destiny needs to be the goal.

Keep an eye on the line movement with the announcement of the starting quarterback, but the bottom line is Pittsburgh needs this win, and the defense has to put their stamp on the game. Todd Bowles’ defense is going to blitz a ton, which will play into Aaron Rodgers’ hands as he looks to get the ball out quickly. Expect more receiving work for Warren on screens and checkdowns.

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