After 11 straight wins, COVID-19 disruptions, and injuries, the quest for an undefeated season is over for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Playing on four days’ rest and hampered by a number of injuries, Montez Sweat batted Ben Roethlisberger’s pass late in the fourth quarter, resulting in an interception by Jon Bostic. It sealed Washington’s comeback 23-17 win.
Early point spreads at Pennsylvania sportsbook apps had Pittsburgh as 10-point favorites, but there was reverse line movement that put the spread at Steelers -6.5 by kickoff.
Twitter reacted to the last undefeated team losing to the team with no name.
Sharps were on to a Washington upset
Betting splits from FanDuel Sportsbook for Washington vs. Pittsburgh as of Monday afternoon:
- 68% of the money was on the Steelers (-6.5) to cover the spread
- 73% of the money was on Pittsburgh (-280) on the moneyline
- 60% of the money was on the OVER (43.5)
Betting splits from BetRivers Sportsbook as of Monday afternoon:
- 77% of the money was on the Steelers (-6.5) to cover the spread
- 91% of the money was on Pittsburgh (-286) on the moneyline
- 72% of the handle was on the OVER (41.5)
At William Hill, the line was all the way down to Pittsburgh -6.
“Guess the professionals think the spot is right for Washington,” said Nick Bogdanovich, director of trading for William Hill US. “Short week for the Steelers, banged-up Ben [Roethlisberger], Washington playing to keep up with the Giants in the NFC East, two good defenses. I’d say it’s rare, though, for an undefeated team to not be getting much respect in the market against a team with a losing record.”
However, at William Hill, the Steelers got 71% of the money on spread bets and 65% of the moneyline bets.
Steelers Twitter reacts to first loss
Rest of Twitter reacts to first Pittsburgh loss
Colin Cowherd hates the Steelers
If the Steelers need a villain, Colin Cowherd is auditioning for the role. He comes complete with arched eyebrows and a cigar, like many comic book bad guys.
Before the season, Cowherd forecasted a 16-0 record for the Baltimore Ravens and a 7-9 finish for Pittsburgh. On “The Herd” on Friday, Cowherd picked the Bills to upset the top-seeded Steelers in the playoffs. He continues to taunt the Black and Yellow.
Still a happy holiday season for Steelers
Despite the loss, the Steelers remain the top seed in the AFC, since their lone defeat was to an out-of-conference opponent.
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
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