Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

5 minute read

Nov. 8, 2021

Michael Crosson
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The ninth week of regular-season NFL action will conclude with a compelling non-conference showdown between the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. Coverage begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Score Prediction

Steelers 23, Bears 20

Best Bets

Bears +6.5

Justin Fields (CHI/QB) Over 37 Rushing Yards

Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

After pulling off a stunning upset victory over Buffalo in Week 1 (W, 23-16), the Steelers immediately fell into a slump in their ensuing three contests, as Pittsburgh posted consecutive losses against the Raiders, Bengals, and Packers across Weeks 2 through 4 – while scoring just 14.7 PPG and turning the ball over five times across that timeframe.

Since that rough patch, Pittsburgh has seemingly turned things around though, highlighted by the Steelers heading into Monday boasting consecutive victories over the Broncos, Seahawks, and Browns – with their offense scoring 21.7 PPG and defense allowing 16.3 PPG across the last three weeks.

On the other hand, Chicago jumped out to a decent start to the new season, considering the Bears entered Week 6 sitting at 3-2 – with their only losses coming in tough matchups against the Rams and Browns.

Since Week 6 though, Chicago has completely fallen apart on both sides of the ball, highlighted by the Bears’ offense averaging just 13 PPG across three straight losses to the Packers, Buccaneers, and Niners – and their defense allowing 31.7 PPG across that same window.

I’ll take the points with Chicago here, as the Steelers’ offense currently ranks 26th in scoring with an average of 18.9 PPG – which makes them incredibly difficult to back as a touchdown-favorite in virtually any matchup.

Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds

More Odds | Futures Odds

Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Resources

• Matchup: NFC North vs. AFC North
• Date: Sunday, November 7, 2021
• Venue: Heinz Field
• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• TV-Time: ESPN - 8:20 p.m. ET

• Weather Report
• Injury Report
• Super Bowl 56 Betting

Chicago Bears Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 3-5
• ATS: 3-5
• O/U: 2-6
• ATS - Home: 2-2
• ATS - Away: 1-3

Chicago heads into Monday’s contest sitting at 3-5, while riding a three-game losing streak, but things aren’t all that bad, considering the Bears own an impressive trio of victories against the Bengals, Lions, and Raiders – while their losses came in tough matchups against the Rams, Browns, Packers, Niners, and Buccaneers.

It’s tough to fully vouch on Chicago’s behalf, considering the Bears currently rank 31st in scoring and dead-last in total offense (15.4 PPG, 264 YPG) – but a large part of that appears to stem from the Bears’ incredibly difficult strength of schedule, and I expect them to keep things competitive against middle- tier teams like the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 4-3
• ATS: 3-4
• O/U: 1-5-1
• ATS - Home: 1-3
• ATS - Away: 2-1

The Steelers aren’t exactly the league’s cream of the crop anymore, but they’re still an excellent defensive squad, and sometimes Ben Roethlisberger provides just enough juice to send Pittsburgh over the top in certain matchups – and Monday night certainly appears to be another one of those opportunities.

The Steelers are averaging just 21.7 PPG across their current three-game winning streak though, and while they should still ultimately win Monday’s contest – it’s too risky to lay the touchdown and rely on Pittsburgh’s defense holding Chicago under 20 PTS.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost five of their last six games when playing as favorites. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Chicago Bears

• Record: 3-5
• Division Standing: 3rd - NFC North
• Points Scored: 123
• Points Allowed: 195
• PS/G: 15.4 (31st)
• PA/G: 24.4 (20th)

Inside the Stats - Pittsburgh Steelers

• Record: 4-3
• Division Standing: 3rd - AFC North
• Points Scored: 132
• Points Allowed: 142
• PS/G: 18.9 (26th)
• PA/G: 20.3 (7th)

Key Players to Watch

• CHI: Justin Fields - QB (94/158, 991 yards, 5 Total TDs, 7 INT)
• CHI: Khalil Herbert - RB (81 carries. 351 yards, TD)
• PIT: Ben Roethlisberger - QB (175/269, 1,781 yards, 8 TD, 4 INT)
• PIT: Diontae Johnson - WR (40 catches, 474 yards, 3 TD)

Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Conclusion

After extending their winning streak to three games with a victory over Cleveland last week (W, 15-10), the Steelers will enter Monday night’s contest favored by roughly a touchdown over the visiting Bears – marking the heftiest total Pittsburgh has been favored by this season.

I’ll take the points with the Bears here, as I somewhat expect Pittsburgh to sneak away with a narrow victory at home in this event – but I’m also expecting Justin Fields to keep things competitive with his legs, which is why I’m also taking Fields’ rushing yards over on Monday night.

Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends

• Pittsburgh has lost five of its last six games when playing as the favorite.
• Pittsburgh has seen the underdog cover the spread in eight straight home games.
• Chicago has gone UNDER the point total in six of its last seven games.
• Najee Harris has scored a TD in four straight games.
• Damien Williams has scored a TD in four of his last six games when facing the AFC.
• Chicago has lost three straight games.

Where to place a bet this NFL Season?

• Use our exclusive BetMGM Bonus Code VIBONUS1500 to unlock BetMGM’s welcome offer for new sportsbook users!
• Compare the latest NFL Odds from the best sportsbooks before placing a bet on this week's games.
• Check out the North Carolina Sportsbooks just before they launch legal online sports betting.

VegasInsider Staff

More from VegasInsider Staff