Carolina Panthers vs  Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers -3.5

Game Total - 51

Pre Game Props

1) The last non-kneeling, offensive play of the 1st Quarter is a running play (We'll leave this open until the 2:00 mark) YES 2.4 / NO 2.6

YES. James Connor has rushed the ball 20 times or more in three of his last four games while Christian McCaffrey has toted the rock 31 times over the past two weeks. Let’s add in the fact that Cam Newton has a handful of quarterback runs on a week-to-week basis and it’s a safe bet to think the final play will be a run.

2) C. Newton (CAR) passes or rushes for a TD in the 1st Quarter YES 3.8/ NO 1.5

YES. Newton has scored two or more touchdowns in seven consecutive weeks and the Steelers have allowed 17 passing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks this season which is the eighth most. They’ve also given up a rushing touchdown this season, so I’d say there is a good shot at this happening. This is a risk worth taking.

3) Both teams score in the 1st Quarter YES 2.1 / NO 3.4

YES. Because it doesn’t specify how they score, a 51-point spread tells me there will be scoring early and often. This is an easy yes for me.

4) The first offensive play of the 1st Quarter gains 4 or more total yards YES 2.0 / NO 2.9

YES. Knowing both Christian McCaffrey and James Connor are both averaging north of four yards per carry, and knowing both teams love to run the ball, it’s safe to think the first play comes out as a run. Playing the averages here, I’m going yes.

5) PIT gains 3 or more 1st Downs on their opening drive YES 3.0 / NO 2.0

NO. It’s very hard to predict how many first downs a team will get on any given drive because they could throw for a 75-yard touchdown on their first play from scrimmage or go three-and-out as well. Taking the safe rout and going no.

6) C. McCaffrey (CAR) records a reception and gains 8 or more total rushing yards on the CAR opening drive YES 3.3 / NO 2.1

YES. McCaffrey has had four or more receptions in seven of the eight games which puts him at an average of over one reception per quarter. He’s their primary playmaker and I suspect he accomplishes both feats here.