NFL Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 8/12/21 NFL Picks, Odds, Predictions

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers battle on Thursday in NFL week 1 preseason action from Lincoln Financial Field. This will be the Steelers’ second preseason game of 2021. Pittsburgh managed a nice 13-point win over the Cowboys in the exhibition opener. As for the Eagles, this will be their first of three preseason games this year. Philadelphia managed an ugly 4-11-1 record last season. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Pittsburgh had a nice run in 2020, finishing the regular season at 12-4 and in first place in the AFC North. The Steelers lost four of their last five games as they skidded into the playoffs, however. Pittsburgh’s postseason run came to a quick end as they lost in the Wild Card Playoffs 48-37 to the Browns. 

In the preseason opener versus the Cowboys, Pittsburgh notched all their points in the second half during a 16-3 victory. Dwayne Haskins got most of the pass attempts, posting an 8-for-13 line with 54 yards. Kalen Ballage rushed five times for 19 yards and a TD as well. 

Over on the Eagles’ side, they’re eager to get things going this season after an ugly 4-11-1 record in 2020. That finish led to a fourth-place result in the NFC East and left the team out of playoff contention. 

Oddly enough, the Eagles were sitting atop the division at 3-4-1 heading into their bye week, but things just got worse from there. Philly would lose seven of their final eight games, suffering from injuries and sketchy play from the QB slot. 

The Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six Thursday games and 23-8-2 ATS in their last 33 as an underdog. Pittsburgh is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 on grass and 2-5 ATS in their last seven overall. 

Meanwhile, the Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games and 5-1 ATS in their last six Thursday games. Philly is 1-5 ATS in their last six as a home favorite and the over is 5-2 in their last seven Thursday games. 

PICK: I’m going to take the Eagles. Preseason games are always hard to gauge, but seeing a little action from the Pittsburgh players in the opener could give us some insight into their next few outings. The Steelers defense was tight when it needed to be with four sacks and three turnovers, but they also gave up 347 total yards to the Cowboys in the win. If Philly can get some mileage out of their RB stable in this one and control the time of possession, I think they’ll be in good shape for a potential cover/win.