NFL Thanksgiving Day Ends with Steelers Visiting Colts

The NFL on Thanksgiving Day concludes with an AFC showdown when the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Indianapolis Colts. The current line has Pittsburgh favored by 9 points with the over/under point total sitting on 47.5.

Entering this game, Pittsburgh has an overall record on the season of 5-5 straight up and against the spread. On the road, the Steelers are 2-3 SU and ATS. Indianapolis on the season has an overall record of 5-5 SU and 5-4-1 ATS. At home, the Colts are 3-2 SU and ATS.

Indianapolis is back in the playoff hunt following consecutive wins, but the Colts are almost sure not to have star quarterback Andrew Luck for Thursday evening’s game. Luck entered into concussion protocol following Sunday’s win over Tennessee.

Scott Tolzien is the back up to Luck. He has played only six games during his career of six years in the league. He will start if Luck is not able to play. Tolzien has 1 touchdown pass and 5 interceptions during his career.

Pittsburgh snapped a losing streak of four games with its win on Sunday over Cleveland. With the win, the Steelers moved into a tie for first in the AFC North. Running back Le’Veon Bell had 146 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. The Steelers are just No. 23 in the NFL in rushing offense.

When Bell is able to run well pressure is taken off star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Last season, the Steelers routed Indianapolis 45-10 behind 4 touchdowns passes by Big Ben.

Clearing the concussion protocol during any week in NFL is tough, but huge when a short week is involved. It is likely Luck and Clayton Geathers a Colts safety will sit out on Thursday. Geathers is also trying to clear concussion protocol.

Vontae Davis a starting cornerback for Indy is questionable due to an injured ankle. The secondary for the Colts could be in for a long game against Roethlisberger if both Geathers and Davis cannot play.

Roethlisberger has passed for 10 touchdowns in his past 2 games against the Colts.

Pittsburgh wide receiver Antonio Brown is leading the NFL in receptions with 77. Bell is fourth in yards with 907.

Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS over its past 5 games played.

Indianapolis is 4-1-1 ATS over its past 6 games played.

Prediction: If Luck cannot play the Steelers have a decided edge. Lean here toward Pittsburgh.