The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers clash Friday night in a NFL Week 1 preseason game at Raymond James Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Preview

The Steelers should be eager for a bounce back season after missing the playoffs for just the sixth time in 16 years under Mike Tomlin. A key area to watch this preseason for the Steelers is the offensive line. First round pick Broderick Jones is sure to put pressure on Chukwuma Okorafor and Dan Moore Jr., while Nate Herbig and Kevin Dotson are competing for a starting job as well. Also, are we sure Mitch Trubisky is good enough to earn the backup quarterback job over Mason Rudolph? Defensively, there’s a cornerback competition between Levi Wallace and Joey Porter Jr., as they’re fighting for the right to lineup alongside Patrick Peterson. The secondary also has an open battle between Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal at strong safety. The offensive line and the defensive backfield are the two areas I’m watching when it comes to the Steelers. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Preview

The Buccaneers have made the postseason in each of the last 3 years, but it’s a new era now that Tom Brady retried for good. That means a quarterback battle in Tampa, and this one comes down to Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Mayfield obviously has the edge given his starter experience, but Trask was drafted in the second round for a reason, and he showed flashes at Florida, especially as a senior with 43 touchdown passes. It would also be nice to see the Bucs find another receiver to back up the regulars of Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Russell Gage. Defensively, there’s a battle at nickel between the veteran Dee Delaney and rookie Josh Hayes. Delaney has never been a full time starter through 4 seasons and has just 3 starts in his career. Hayes has experience at corner and safety, and he was one of the better defensive backs in the Big 12 last year. The Bucs have their work cut out for them during camp.

Trends 

The Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Buccaneers are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 home games and 2-13-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall. The under is 48-22-1 in Steelers last 71 road games. The Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Tampa Bay and 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings. The road team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings. The underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

Randy’s Pick

The Steelers are always worth a look in the underdog role because of how well coached they are, preseason or not. However, I like the Bucs quarterback duo of Mayfield and Trask, two gunslingers that will look to push the ball downfield and put points on the board. Also, this is going to be a humid night in Florida, and you’d think the Buccaneers will be a little more adjusted. The Steelers offensive line question marks could also be a difference in this game and possibly lead to a turnover or two. I’ll lay the point with the Buccaneers at home.