Take Steelers to cover spread vs. Chargers on ‘MNF’
The San Diego Chargers are 3-12 against the spread in their last 15 games and Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall expects that trend to continue today against the Pittsburgh Steelers on "Monday Night Football" (5:30 p.m., ESPN (30)).
Marshall is siding with the Steelers, who are now 4-point underdogs at most Las Vegas sports books after starting the day as 3½-point 'dogs.
"I'm very dubious about San Diego right now," Marshall (goldsheet.com) said. "I don't think they can extend a margin on anybody at this point. I don't think they've got enough on defense and (quarterback Philip) Rivers is under much more duress and pressure.
"Rivers can be flustered. He's certainly not mobile like (Pittsburgh quarterback Michael) Vick. Rivers has made more mistakes than he normally does, partly because he doesn't get the protection he normally does."
The Chargers (2-2) have failed to cover their last three games after opening the season with a narrow win and cover against the lowly Detroit Lions (0-5). San Diego, which will get tight end Antonio Gates back today from a suspension, will be missing at least two injured starters on the offensive line and maybe more. But that hasn't stopped bettors from taking the Chargers, who opened as 3-point favorites, and over the total of 46.
"The money is coming in on San Diego and the over," Red Rock sports book director Jason McCormick said. "Those are the more popular plays."
The Steelers (2-2) will be missing injured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Martavis Bryant, who was eligible to return from his suspension today but will remain out with an injury. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is 9-2 on "Monday Night Football."
"It's kind of a lackluster Monday night handle. It goes back to the Steelers not having Roethlisberger," McCormick said. "Steelers fans aren't coming in droves, especially the way Vick looked (in Pittsburgh's 23-20 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens)."
Marshall isn't impressed with Vick, either, but is counting on Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell and receiver Antonio Brown to keep it close.
"(Vick) is missing passes so much, but having said that they still could've won the game if not for (two) missed field goals," he said.
