AFC Championship Picks: Jets vs Steelers NFL Betting Predictions + Odds
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AFC Championship: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview/Pick
Date/Time: Sunday, January 22 – 6:30 PM
Venue: Heinz Field
New York Jets (13-5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4) Betting Lines from Sportsbook
MoneyLine: Pittsburgh (-190) New York (+160)
NFL Betting Favorite: Pittsburgh -3.5 (-110) New York +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 38.5
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New York
The New York Jets have gone on the road and beaten both Indianapolis and New England to reach the AFC Championship Game. The road doesn’t get any easier as they must now face a determined Pittsburgh Steelers team that is very tough to beat in the playoffs.
How have the Jets been able to beat both Indianapolis and New England? New York has done a great job taking care of the football and taking advantage of their scoring opportunities. Through the two games, the Jets have turned the ball over just once, and they have scored a touchdown each time they have gotten inside the ten yard line. LaDainian Tomlinson and Shaun Greene form a terrific tandem in the Jets backfield.
The Jets have one of the best offensive lines in all of football, and they have protected Mark Sanchez very well in the postseason as well. Sanchez hasn’t been spectacular, but he has done what the team needs him to do in order to win. Santonio Holmes is former Steeler who has stepped up in the postseason and made some huge catches for the Jets.
The Jets defense has been superb in the postseason. They have faced the top two quarterbacks in the NFL, and more than held their own in both games. Both Manning and Brady weren’t able to create many big plays like they normally do. Revis and Cromartie may be the single best cornerback duo in the league, and they’ll be key in this week’s game as well. The Jets front seven must pressure Big Ben and make him get rid of the ball early.
Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked like they were in trouble last weekend. After trailing 21-7 at halftime to the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers played some very inspired football and came back to win 31-24. They are one step away from playing in their third Super Bowl appearance in the last six years.
The Steelers offense is much more balanced this year, which has made them a much more dangerous team. Rashard Mendenhall has done a very good job in the backfield, and the Steelers have gotten back to being able to run the football consistently. Since Ben Roethlisberger has returned to the lineup, the Steelers are a potent passing attack as well. Mike Wallace has turned into the big play maker on the outside.
Wallace averaged an amazing 20.9 yards per reception this season. Hines Ward and Heath Miller are very solid possession receivers that Big Ben can trust on third down. The offensive line has been shaky in pass protection, and they’ll need to solidify that this weekend.
Though the offense has played well this year, it is the Steelers defense that is the primary reason they are one game away from a Super Bowl berth. The Steelers front seven are absolutely amazing, and Troy Polamalu may well be the best defensive player in the NFL. Pittsburgh is allowing just 62 yards per game on the ground, which is easily the best mark in the NFL.
They will be tested by the Jets great running game, but this defense is very tough to run on. Pittsburgh allowed only 14.5 points per game this year, which was the fewest in the NFL. This defense is very stout and they will need to play big once again this weekend.
The Pick:
The Jets have had a great run, but I think the Steelers have the edge in this one. I’ll take Roethlisberger over Sanchez in the late game situation. I think this one stays close, so the safest way to play it would be the Steelers moneyline.
New York vs. Pittsburgh Score Prediction: Pittsburgh 21 New York 17
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