The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) and Carolina Panthers (0-2) will face off in NFL Preseason Week 3 action on Thursday, Aug. 21. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network.
The Steelers are favored by -4.5 with the game total set at 35.5 (-122o / -102u). The Steelers are -225 favorites to win outright, while the Panthers are +185 to pull off the upset.
The approach to the current preseason format varies significantly from coach to coach. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants his starting offensive line and defensive backfield to build chemistry with more game repetitions, while Panthers head coach Dave Canales is using this preseason game strictly for back-end roster evaluation. Pittsburgh is a moderate favorite on Thursday night for good reason.
Let's get into my Steelers vs Panthers prediction and NFL picks.
My Steelers vs Panthers Prediction
Steelers vs Panthers pick: Steelers -4 (bet to -4.5)
MySteelers vs Panthers best bet is on the Steelers to cover the spread, with the best odds currently available at Fanatics. For all of your NFL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NFL odds page.
Steelers vs Panthers Odds
| Steelers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 35.5 -122o / 102u | -225 |
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 35.5 -122o / 102u | +185 |
Steelers vs Panthers NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview
Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young saw action in the first two exhibition games with mixed results, but he won’t be taking the field in this game. Neither will backup Andy Dalton (elbow), who suffered an injury last week.
This means a combination of Jack Plummer and Bryce Perkins at the helm for the Panthers. Perkins, the United Football League star, has only been in Panthers camp since Monday.
Plummer has a 51.0 QBR this preseason with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. Both interceptions occurred on third down as Carolina attempted to mount a comeback against the Texans last week.
It was an abysmal performance as an offensive unit. The Panthers averaged 3.6 yards per play, gaining just seven first downs in the entire game that weren’t aided by penalties.
It’s difficult to envision this offense getting off to a good start with Jalen Ramsey making his Steelers debut. He's looking to gain experience in this new defensive system and build communication with the secondary-mates he'll be playing alongside during the regular season.
Pittsburgh has a massive edge at quarterback with Mason Rudolph set to make his third consecutive preseason start. Rudolph has been sharp through two games, completing 80% of his passes for 130 yards and two scores.
After Rudolph exits on Thursday, Skylar Thompson will get his chance to secure a roster spot. Thompson has generally excelled in his role, playing against defensive players further down the depth chart.
His 8.0 YPA this preseason, to go along with a 107.3 passer rating, is even more impressive when considering he’s put up these numbers on 43 attempts.
No matter which quarterback is in for the Steelers, they will be aided by a running game that continues to improve and take shape. In Week 1 of the preseason, the passing attack led Pittsburgh to 31 points against Jacksonville, but a week ago it was the rushing attack that shone.
Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson led the team with 11 carries, looking markedly better in his second taste of NFL action. The Steelers averaged a very healthy five yards per carry over the course of the game.
Defensively for Pittsburgh, it’s been clear the defense is primed for a great season. Patrick Queen may be on ice for the regular season but second-year linebacker Payton Wilson continues to gain experience and impress, likely gaining a starting spot versus the Jets on September 7.
An underreported story has been the return of Cole Holcomb from a major knee injury in 2023. He has already made his impact felt and by all reports is playing at a level that makes him a luxury rotational piece for a stacked front seven.
Steelers vs Panthers Prediction, Betting Analysis
The Steelers' defensive front has an immense amount of depth. Teams have rushed the ball at them 41 times through two preseason games for 107 yards, a 2.6 yards per carry average.
The disadvantage for Carolina in the trenches will be too much to overcome for Plummer and Perkins in this spot.
Lay the points with the Steelers as Tomlin prioritizes this game much closer to a regular-season dress rehearsal than does Canales.
My Pick: Steelers -4, bet to -4.5 (-110, Fanatics)
Spread
My pick for this game is the Steelers to cover the spread.
Moneyline
I have no play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I have no play on the total.
