Week 1 of NFL preseason can be a mishmash of rookies, college stars who haven’t put it together in the pros, and players even the most dedicated fans have never heard of. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it seems brand-name players will take the field on Friday night.
This could be among the most interesting games in Week 1 of the preseason with the Steelers coming off a 9-8 year led by first round pick Kenny Pickett, and the Buccaneers — who went 8-9 last season — beginning their post-Tom Brady era.
Get ready for the rare Week 1 preseason game that could have an impact on the regular season and the NFL odds.
Find out where my best bets lie in our NFL picks and predictions for Steelers vs. Buccaneers on Friday, August 11.
Steelers vs Buccaneers odds
Steelers vs Buccaneers predictions
With Tom Brady off enjoying his retirement, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles will be relying on an NFL Draft bust or an unproven former second round pick to save his job this season.
The battle to be Tom Terrific’s replacement in Tampa begins against the Steelers with former first-overall pick Baker Mayfield set to start. Kyle Trask will start the following game against the New York Jets.
Knowing there’s two quarterbacks hitting the field with something to prove is always going to be good for the Over (39), especially when Mayfield does have a history of playing competent football.
It’s safe to assume Mayfield and Trask will both play plenty of series against the Black and Gold, and while neither will get the people going come the regular season, the preseason is all about finding quarterback advantages.
Who knows how many snaps stars like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Tristan Wirfs will play with Mayfield, if they play at all. However, the Bucs have a handful of explosive young receivers who could step up.
If Russell Gage plays much, he’ll be the go-to option, followed by Deven Thompkins — who had flashes last season as an undrafted rookie — and veteran David Moore. A trio of rookies also bring some excitement to the table; Trey Palmer was a deep threat at Nebraska, Rakim Jarrett was a five-star recruit at Maryland, and Ryan Miller is an agile route runner.
You have to assume once Trask does come in, Buccaneers new offensive coordinator Dave Canales will want to see what he has in the 25-year-old, which supports the Over even more.
Despite his size, Trask doesn’t have a big arm, but he’s a mechanically sound passer who can operate well from a clean pocket with good short and intermediate ball placement. He may not take risks, but he’ll get the ball into his playmakers’ hands early and often.
Even Buccaneers third-string quarterback John Wolford should be fine out there. He’s started four regular season games in his career and has thrown for 626 yards and a touchdown.
With the Steelers’ thin and inexperienced secondary, especially at nickel, there’s a chance for some offensive fireworks once Pittsburgh’s second unit comes in.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already confirmed Pickett will be starting and stated “everyone who’s healthy” will play, but it’s not clear for how long.
Regardless, with Pickett needing more reps after an up-and-down rookie season, it’s safe to assume he’ll play at least a few series with a good group of pass catchers.
Getting Pickett behind a revamped offensive line with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, and Pat Freiermuth could lead to some quick scores, especially if Bowles takes his veteran secondary out early.
Once Pickett and the starters rotate out, having two experienced quarterbacks in Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph makes that Over even more appetizing.
Trubisky, the former second-overall pick, is one of the better backups in the league, and his mobility should help him create plays.
He and Rudolph will also have a good group on paper to throw to with second-year speedster Calvin Austin III, XFL star Hakeem Butler, special teams standout Miles Boykin, and a tight end group of Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward, and behemoth rookie Darnell Washington.
The NFL experience with the group of quarterbacks taking the field, on what is supposed to be a sunny Thursday evening, should prove for some capable offense, especially with a marquee quarterback battle taking place.
My best bet: Over 39 (-110 at bet365)
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