Bears vs. Steelers 2021 NFL Week 9 Odds, Preview and Pick

By Hank Blaine • November 5, 2021

Two teams going in opposite directions hit the gridiron against each other on Monday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Chicago Bears. The Steelers have won three straight and appear on their way to challenging for first place in the deep AFC North. The Bears have lost three in a row.

Will Chicago make this close, or will the Steelers win and cover? See below for the NFL odds, analysis, and a free pick for Bears at Steelers. Check out the latest sports betting odds and lines at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Bears vs. Steelers Game Information

When: Monday, Nov. 8 at 8:15 pm ET
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV: ESPN
Radio: WBBM NewsRadio 780 (Bears) / WDVE-FM 102.5 (Steelers)
Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: Bears (+6.0) / Steelers (-6.0)

Why Bet on the Chicago Bears?

The Bears biggest issue this season? They can’t move the football, which makes scoring points difficult. Chicago ranks thirty-second in yards per game with 264.0. The Bears throw for 127.4 yards each contest. The stat also ranks 32-of-32 teams. Even though the Bears are terrible at passing the football, they are an excellent rushing team.

Chicago ranks second in yards per game with 136 each match up. Rookie quarterback starter Justin Fields is having a tough time. He did complete over 70% of his passes in the loss to the 49ers in Week 8.

In most seasons, Chicago’s defense is much better than their offense. 2021 is no different. The Bears rank fifteenth in total yards allowed. Opponents average 357.5 yards per game versus Chicago. Opposing offenses score over 24 each game. If the Bears hope to challenge Pittsburgh on Monday, Chicago’s defense can’t allow anything close to the average.

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Pittsburgh’s defense is almost as vanilla as Chicago’s. The Steelers average a paltry 18.9 points per game. The biggest issue? Although Pittsburgh drafted Alabama running back Najee Harris with their first pick, Harris hasn’t gotten it going. The Steelers average 87 yards per game on the ground. Because Pittsburgh can’t rush the football, they rely on veteran Big Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben has performed okay, averaging 244.4 pass yards per game.

The Steelers employ a bend but don’t break strategy. The Steelers give up plenty of yards, 345.7 per game, but they don’t allow a ton of points. Opponents average less than 21 points per game versus Pittsburgh. Everything starts with T.J. Watt. The excellent end rusher has accounted for 8.5 sacks.

When Watt plays, Pittsburgh’s defense is one of the top units in the league. When Watt sits, the defense is mediocre at best. Watt didn’t show up on the Steelers’ injury report this week, which means we should expect Pittsburgh’s defense to be at its best on Monday night.

Bears vs. Steelers Betting Trends

Bears are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog
Chicago is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 in November
Under is 5-1 in Chicago’s last 6 games on a Monday
Steelers are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games at home
Under is 6-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 7 games

Bears vs. Steelers Expert Betting Predictions

This doesn’t look like a good matchup for the Chicago Bears. The Steelers shut down the Cleveland Browns’ offense in NFL Week 8. If Pittsburgh could hold Baker Mayfield and his teammates to 10 points, it should definitely keep Justin Fields and the Bears at bay, right?

But although on paper it looks as if Pittsburgh rolls to an easy win and cover, it’s never easy for the Steelers. More importantly, in Week 8, Pittsburgh beat a team they knew well. Chicago’s Justin Fields has some talent. If he takes care of the football, he should find some success. Not only that, but, by far, the Bears have the better rushing attack. The odds make Pittsburgh an underlay. Chicago is the play.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.