Pittsburgh Steelers @ Carolina Panthers 08/21/2025
The NFL Preseason often emerges as a unique spectacle, a time when evaluation outweighs results but excitement runs rampant. While the regular season gold is yet to be mined, the preseason gives teams a chance to strike a bit of silver, providing insights for bettors and fans alike. As we barrel towards the third matchday, the Carolina Panthers clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL Preseason showdown that promises intrigue and action for both fans and sports betting enthusiasts.
When we talk preseason, we’re not always sure about a team’s strategic cards, but we know they often reveal their hands, whether intentionally or not. The Carolina Panthers might be staring down a tough preseason record with no wins and two losses, scoring 13 points while allowing a whopping 50 against them. Currently sitting in the 3rd position in the NFC South, they look like a team scrambling for improvement. With an average of 6.5 points per game and lacking ball possession dominance, they’re looking to turn the tables.
On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Steelers nuggets of steel in the form of offense, having scored 45 points in the preseason so far, still grapple with defensive consistency. Though they stand at a decent 3rd position in the AFC North with one win and a loss, they show promise, especially with their away performance, evidenced by a notable win on the road.
Previous matchups between these two sides hint at Pittsburgh having the edge, with three wins out of their last five meetings, including a recent 24-16 away win against the Panthers. Despite this performance history, both teams carry fresh marks from recent losses, as the Panthers are coming off a 3-20 away loss to the Texans, while Pittsburgh faced a narrow 14-17 home defeat to Tampa Bay.
With this matchup comes tough choices for sports bettors. Will Pittsburgh’s road warrior spirit prevail, or will Carolina find sanctuary in their home setting to notch a preseason win? Here’s the full breakdown of our betting tips for this matchup.
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Our Betting Predictions for Carolina Panthers vs Pittsburgh Steelers
For anyone looking to place a bet, here’s what we’re thinking:
Our Main Betting Tip: Carolina Panthers Moneyline
While the Carolina Panthers are licking their wounds from the first two preseason games, playing at home offers a chance for redemption. The Panthers are favored here with odds at very competitive odds at BetMGM, suggesting a belief in a bounce-back. Their offensive challenges are palpable, but history indicates they could pull this off, given past wins against Pittsburgh.
Our Prediction 2: Game Totals Over 36.5 Points
Games involving these two teams have frequently showcased offensive displays, and with a mix of determined lineups, expect to see a high-scoring affair. Both teams’ average scores suggest this game could cross the 36.5-point mark, available at odds -110 at FanDuel. Consider this for those seeking a more neutral wager with upside potential.
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Our Prediction 3: Panthers Win with a Spread (-3.0 points)
If you’re inclined towards spread betting, the Carolina Panthers taking this one by at least 3 points looks appealing at odds -115 at FanDuel Sportsbook. This implies a scenario where the Panthers win but not in a runaway, expected to cover the spread in a tighter contest, but still staying ahead.
Team News
Carolina Panthers Performance Check
The Carolina Panthers head into this match with Head Coach Matt Rhule, as they aim to pivot from early-season struggles. Having only managed to score an average of 6.5 points per matchup while allowing 25, the Panthers have shown vulnerability, especially at home, with a 0-1 record. Though preseason serves as a platform for non-regular starters, the Panthers are likely motivated to protect their turf and bounce back.
How is the Current Performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Guided by Coach Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite standing at 1-1, have shown signs of both aggression and inconsistency. They’ve hung onto an average score of 22.5 points per game while conceding 21, indicating their offensive capabilities can shine. Their road prowess is a focal point, evident from their lone win this preseason, which gives them a fair shot at triumphing in Carolina.
Statistics
In their last faceoff, the Steelers notched a 24-16 victory on the road, further indicating their resilience. Overall, in the last five encounters, Pittsburgh tips the scales with three wins, while Carolina snagged two.
Both teams have tread rough waters of late, each winning just once in their last five outings, signaling the uphill task both face. Fresh off losses, they’ll have to dig deep for improvement. With the Panthers losing 3-20 to the Texans and the Steelers narrowly falling 14-17 to the Buccaneers, the stage is set for a fierce contest.
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TrustnBet Final Thoughts
To sum it up, our forecast suggests the home advantage might tip the balance in favor of the Carolina Panthers, with their necessity for a morale-boosting win. The over 36.5 points across both teams looks achievable given recent performances, while those seeking a spread should find value in backing the Panthers to cover -3 points. Choose wisely, and enjoy the game!
