Best bets for Washington-Pittsburgh: Tough test for Roethlisberger, Steelers

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A huge Monday doubleheader gets underway in Pittsburgh as the undefeated Steelers host a Washington team with eyes on first place in the NFC East.

Here are our best bets for the game.

Alex Kolodziej

Ben Roethlisberger's longest completion under 35.5 yards

Roethlisberger hasn't connected on a lot of big plays this season. His longest pass since an 84-yard dart to Chase Claypool in Week 2 went for 46 yards. Let's go under again Monday.

Roethlisberger isn't even trying to hit a home run at this point. Big Ben's averaging just 5.2 yards per attempt, the lowest of his career by a wide margin. The veteran quarterback has failed to post a pass of 36 yards or more in four of the last six games despite playing units that rank No. 21, 26, 27, and 31 in DVOA pass defense over that stretch.

Washington's No. 4 in the league in yards per completion, No. 5 in the NFL in DVOA defense, and No. 9 in explosive pass rate allowed. This is a pretty solid matchup for its secondary.

Alex Moretto

Over 4.5 sacks

Pittsburgh and Washington are first and second in the NFL in sacks with 41 and 36, respectively. Washington's defensive front is loaded with talent and has been improving each week, registering 20 sacks in its last five games. The visitors will get their licks in on Roethlisberger, who's hobbled by a knee injury.

The Steelers have allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL this season, but they've faced very few teams who've had success rushing the passer. The Browns (11th), Giants (12th), and Ravens (13th) - in the teams' first contest - all sacked Roethlisberger twice. Washington's second-ranked pass rush will pose the toughest test yet.

Meanwhile, Washington has allowed 35 sacks this season. Only two clubs have allowed more. In three games against teams with top-10 pass rushes, Washington has surrendered 15 sacks. Three feels like the absolute floor for the Steelers here, while Washington will add at least a couple of its own. I expect this to fly over the number.

C Jackson Cowart

Washington +7

I've been on the Washington betting train for weeks now, and I love the value here. Since getting blown out by the Rams in Week 5, this team is 4-1-1 against the spread, outscoring opponents by almost nine points per game and holding five of six teams to 23 points or less.

The Steelers have been dominant in their own right, though they've struggled to put away teams outside of the lowest tier. Washington is certainly better than a bottom-five squad, and its fourth-ranked defense should keep this one close enough to stay within the number.

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