We have a special event here, ladies and gentlemen. The first-ever game set in France is being held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis near the capital city of Paris. The NFL continues their attempt to grow the game internationally, so we will get another game at 9:30 AM ET. The good news is that the playing surface is reportedly in good condition, with a natural grass stitch that has been tested lightly with some soccer matches. We’ve had some incidents like when the Mexico City game was moved in 2018 or the slick field in Germany, but we should be alright here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the match technically in second in the AFC North but tied in terms of record with the Browns, Steelers, and Ravens at 4-2 (the Bengals are 3-2, having already had their bye). Aaron Rodgers is scorching hot right now, having thrown multiple touchdown passes in four straight games. Running back Jaylen Warren has been an absolute workhorse, and rookie Germie Bernard has started a breakout over the last couple of weeks, largely fueled by injuries to other Steelers wide receivers.
The New Orleans Saints are a tougher assignment than their record shows at 2-4. They proved that last week by walking into the Meadowlands and beating the New York Giants, who are sitting atop the NFC East. Tyler Shough is playing through an injury to his left hand, but that didn’t stop him from plunging in a rushing touchdown last week.
🏅 Steelers vs. Saints Expert Pick: Pat Freiermuth Over 3.5 Receptions (+126 on DraftKings)
As we mentioned, the Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with a number of injures at wide receiver. They’re without Michael Pittman, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek. That puts a lot of weight on guys like DK Metcalf and Germie Bernanrd. But they have also pivoted to more two-tight-end sets with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
In the game where they lost Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, Darnell Washington moved inline, and Freiermuth played 27 snaps at WR. He also ran 82% of the routes in the second half, which only about six tight ends have a route participation over 80% on the season. In Week 6, despite being hampered by a calf issue, he turned around and ran 37 routes from a WR and ran over 70% of the routes.
This week, he does not appear on the injury report, so we expect him to be more involved in the pass game. The New Orleans Saints have allowed 42 receptions to the tight end, which is the second most of any team behind only the Detroit Lions, who have been missing both of their starting safeties all season. This is a prime position for Muth to catch some balls, and we can get plus money on his line to catch four.
👀 How To Watch Steelers vs. Saints NFL Week 7
- Where: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris, France
- When: 9:30 AM ET on 10/25
- Watch on TV: NFL Network
- Where to stream: NFL+
🔢 Steelers vs. Saints Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
- Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 (-102) vs. New Orleans Saints +3.5 (-118)
- Money Line: Pittsburgh Steelers -175 vs. New Orleans Saints +145
- Game Total (Over/Under): Over 44.5 (-110) vs. Under 44.5 (-110)
🏉 Steelers vs. Saints Injury Report & Latest News
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lengthy injury report heading into this historic trip to Paris, with several key defenders sitting out Wednesday’s practice. Edge rushers T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward both did not practice, though both were listed for rest purposes and are expected to make the trip and play. Those two are obviously incredibly important to the operation. More concerning on that side of the ball are the absences of cornerback Jalen Ramsey (wrist), cornerback Brandin Echols (hamstring), and defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day (triceps), all of whom did not practice and carry more legitimate injury concern than the rest-day veterans. As we mentioned, veteran wide receivers Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson are already on injured reserve, and Ben Skowronek has not practiced, which is partially why we are looking to the tight end for our bet.
The New Orleans Saints have dealt with notable injuries at running back this year. They lost Travis Etienne for an extended period while backup Alvin Kamara has dealt with knee and back issues. CJ Donaldson is also showing up on the early injury reports, so Kendre Miller may need tos tep up. Guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) did not practice and could be a significant loss up front. Linebacker Kaden Elliss (calf) and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings (knee) both returned to limited practice after missing last week, which is an encouraging sign. Kool-Aid McKinstry returned to full practice after being listed with a head injury, and Tyler Shough was a full participant, though we already noted he’s been playing through the hand injury. Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is not practicing this week, though they hope to get him activated off injured reserve for next week.
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