Justin Fields may be the future of the Chicago Bears but the quarterback could be in for a difficult time when taking his side to the Pittsburgh Steelers, still in the hunt for the AFC North title, for Monday Night Football.
Fields, 22, will be the youngest offensive player on the pitch at Heinz Field and although he impressed in last week’s defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh boast one of the best defences and this means trouble for the young QB.
At the other end of the spectrum, QB Ben Roethlisberger will be the contest’s oldest offensive player and he has somewhat of a point to prove, having thrown just eight touchdowns so far this season.
Pittsburgh (4-3) occupy second spot in the AFC North ahead of this clash, two wins behind the Ravens, while the Bears (3-5) are third in the NFC North and are some way adrift of the wildcard positions.
It is hard to argue against Pittsburgh’s price of 10/31 to win the match, but those looking for a bit more value may decide to back the Steelers at -7 in the handicap result at 10/11.
Rookie to Feel the Heat
During the Week 8 defeat to the 49ers, Fields managed to become the first Bears QB since Bobby Douglass in 1973 to log 100 rushing yards while throwing for 175 yards, one touchdown and a pick.
The 22-year-old is more than happy running, having made 10 carries last week, but he has also been sacked 26 times (second-highest this season) and this highlights how he and his offensive line have struggled to maintain drives.
Chicago have the fewest passing yards of any team, amassing just 1261, and this again shows the attacking weapons are lacking. However, the Bears have been better on the rushing side of things with 1093 yards, and backing Fields to score a touchdown anytime at 11/4 could be worth a punt.
While Fields could experience some personal joy, there is unlikely to be much more than that against a Pittsburgh defence that ranks second in points conceded this season, allowing just 142 to only sit behind the Bills in this department.
OLB T.J. Watt has been a rock in defence for the Steelers, boasting 8.5 sacks, and the 10/11 available for him to make over 2.5 tackles during the game looks good value.
Experience to Count
Questions are being asked of 39-year-old Roethlisberger, the two-time Super Bowl winner, but he should have more than enough time with the ball to guide his team to victory.
The Bears have the worst offence in the division, amassing just 123 yards, so Pittsburgh are likely to have enough possession of the football to carve out scoring opportunities during the home contest.
Roethlisberger also has a 102.6 passer rating during the Steelers’ current three-game winning streak, much higher than the 77.7 rating he had during Weeks 2-4, while he’s thrown three TDs to zero interceptions over the last three games.
‘Big Ben’ appears to be rediscovering some of his better form and backing the QB to make over 23.5 passing completions at 10/11 could be worth a punt.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
