The Pittsburgh Steelers have never before gone this long into a season without losing, despite having won six Super Bowl titles, but they have been finding ways to win this term even when not at their best.
On the face of it, with homefield advantage, they have one of the easier games on their run-in coming up on Monday night and it is no surprise that they are 5/18 favourites to chalk up win number 12 on the season and take another step towards the top seeding in the play-offs.
The Washington Football Team have won only four games all season and three of those have been against rivals in what is the poorest division in the NFL, while the other was against last season’s worst team, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Not So Straight-Forward for the Steelers
Despite their poor record, Washington remain very much in the hunt for the NFC East title and it may only take another win or two to secure the division and a place in the play-offs.
Ron Rivera’s men will be as confident as they have ever been this season having won their last two matches, and they have a defence capable of stifling even the best of offences.
Sadly, the same could not be said of their offence so the 13/5 on a visiting win on the money line may be taking a bit of a chance, but they can at least keep it close.
The Steelers have had to cope with as many Covid problems as any team out there of late, and will have a quicker turnaround from their postponed clash against the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, a game in which they lost defensive star Bud Dupree for the season.
Ben Roethlisberger is also questionable to face the Football Team and, even should he play some part, backing Washington with a seven-point start is the call at 25/27, while under 43.5 points with two of the best defences going head to head in the NFL should be considered at 25/27.
Tight Affair Expected in Arizona
The Buffalo Bills have been winning plaudits for their play this season and they are not without a chance of attaining the top seeding for the play-offs.
However, their focus is more on securing the AFC East title, going into Week 13 with a one-game lead over Miami Dolphins.
Much had been expected of the San Francisco 49ers – forced to switch to Arizona for their last three home games – this time around, given their run to the Super Bowl last season, before their team, and defense in particular, was decimated by injuries.
The offense has not been without problems but, after a tough triple header against Seattle, Green Bay and New Orleans, Kyle Shanahan’s men took care of the Los Angeles Rams (7-3 at the time) last time out to remain in the hunt for a place in the post-season.
And they can continue their push for the play-offs by capitalising on the Bills’ biggest weakness, defending the rush, with the likes of Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon doing the business.
The 49ers, who have already beaten the New England Patriots and New York Jets from the AFC East, can justify favouritism at 20/23, with the Bills 1/1 to improve their record to 9-3.
*All odds correct at time of writing