Steelers vs Buccaneers Prediction - NFL Picks 8/11/23

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0)

Game Info: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm (Raymond James Stadium)

Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2.5 -- Over/Under: 39 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off on Friday in an NFL Week 1 Preseason game at Raymond James Stadium. 

All eyes on Baker Mayfield

All eyes are going to be on Baker Mayfield for the Buccaneers as he makes the start in this game. The big question for the Buccaneers heading into the season is who will start in Week 1 under center, and it appears at this point Mayfield has a little bit of a leg up, although that could change. Last season Mayfield played with the Carloina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. He showed some signs of life with the Rams and he threw for 850 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Kyle Trask is also battling for that starting job, and he’s going to need to be good here. It’s unclear how they are going to split playing time here, but both have a ton of pressure on them here. 

Kenny Pickett is Expected to Play

A lot of time if the starting quarterback is already decided they won’t play in the first game of the preseason, but that isn’t the case here. Kenny Pickett has a lot of pressure heading into this season, the Steelers are going to need him to have a big game here, and also a big season. Behind Pickett is Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and Tanner Morgan. One other big area to key in on for the Steelers is the running back position. Najee Harris looks like a star but there needs to be some production behind him. Anthony McFarland and Darius Haggans are both going to be battling for their spot on the roster. 

Steelers vs Buccaneers Trends

Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Buccaneers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog. 

Shane’s Free Pick

It’s Game 1 of the preseason so these are games that should be bet lightly. I do expect it’s going to be the Steelers that are going to get the better quarterback play, especially with the backups. Mason Rudolph should get plenty of run in this game and he’s going to have a big game here. I am especially not sold on Trask, and he’s going to really struggle in this game. Back the Steelers against the spread. 

Shane’s Pick Steelers -2.5

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The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.

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