The New England Patriots logo at midfield before a September 7, 2017 NFL opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Photo Credit: Steve DelVecchio/Larry Brown Sports
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have had two of the worst offenses in the NFL this season, and Las Vegas oddsmakers are not anticipating that either team will suddenly start putting points on the board in Week 14.
As of Thursday afternoon, the betting total for Thursday night’s game between the Patriots and Steelers was set at just 30. For those of you who are unfamiliar with sports gambling, that is the total number of points that both teams are expected to score combined. Bettors can wager that the game will go over or under that total.
If that sounds low, that is because it is. A point total of 30 would be the lowest over/under for an NFL game in 30 years. The last time the total for a game was 30 was when the Patriots faced the Cincinnati Bengals in 1993.
The Patriots-Steelers #TNF game currently has a total of 30 — that is the lowest NFL total since 1993.
Pats-Bengals on Dec. 12, 1993 had a total of 30 (Patriots won 7-2)
— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) December 5, 2023
The Patriots won that game 7-2.
When you consider how much the NFL has changed to cater to offenses in recent years, the 30-point total is even more stunning.
Those who have followed the Patriots and Steelers this season should not be surprised, however. New England has scored just 12.3 points per game, which is the lowest mark in the NFL. Pittsburgh has scored 16.0 points per game, which ranks 28th.
Both teams are also dealing with significant injuries. Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett hurt his ankle on Sunday, and backup Mitchell Trubisky will start in his place. The Patriots lost starting Rhamondre Stevenson to an ankle injury that may sideline him for the remainder of the season.
We have already seen some truly incredible stats about the Patriots (and not the good kind) amid their horrendous stretch of play. It might be tempting to bet the over in their game against Pittsburgh, but Bill Belichick probably wouldn’t even recommend it.