Philadelphia Eagles & Pittsburgh Steelers Week 2 NFL Preseason Update

Week one of the preseason saw both Pennsylvania NFL teams get their first game action. The Steelers got off to a good start in preseason action with a 27-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For PA bettors, the Steelers were favored by -2 and won by 10 to cover the spread.

While the Eagles didn't have the same favorable result losing 20-19, it came against maybe the best preseason team ever, as the Baltimore Ravens have won 24 consecutive preseason games. Yet Pennsylvania sports bettors need not worry as the Eagles were a +6 point dog and only lost by one to cover the spread.

Coming into the game, the Steelers were favored by -2 by the PA Caesars Sportsbook, -2.5 by the PA FanDuel Sportsbook, and -3 by the PA BetMGM and PA DraftKings Sportsbooks. So regardless of where a PA bettor made a wager in favor of Pittsburgh, the Steeler covered.

In the Steelers vs. Buccaneers game, the point total was set at 39 by Caesars PA Sportsbook and at 39.5 by BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuels Pennsylvania sportsbooks. With the total points being 44, the over hit regardless of where a PA bettor made their wager. 

The Eagles were underdogs in week one of the preseason facing off with the Baltimore Ravens. Pennsylvania Sportsbooks all had Philadelphia as -6 point underdogs. So regardless of where a PA bettor made a wager, the Eagles covered the spread across the board.

Caesars PA Sportsbook had the game point total set at 35, while BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel had it at 35.5 total points. The total points equaled 39, so regardless of where a Pennsylvania NFL bettor made their wager, the over hit. 

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday, Aug. 19, Local TV Coverage at 6:30 pm ET.

The Pittsburgh Steelers at the time this was written are +1 point underdogs at Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel, while BetMGM has the Steelers as a +1.5 underdog. BetMGM and DraftKings have the best moneyline value for the Steelers to win at +105. The total points for the game are set at 42 points by Caesars and DraftKings, while BetMGM and FanDuel have it at 42.5 points.

Following a touchdown in their sole possession last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers starting offense is set for an extended play against the Buffalo Bills this Saturday. Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that all fit players will take the field. While not specifying the duration of the starting units' participation, Tomlin stated the intention for increased involvement without providing precise details.

Expressing the desire for overall player improvement from the prior week, Tomlin's expectations encompass all facets, including Kenny Pickett, who has shown promise as the starting quarterback during his successful initial training camp.

Saturday's game will mark the first game action this year for several Steelers, notably Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., Keanu Neal, and Damontae Kazee. Peterson, Neal, and Porter Jr. are anticipated to play crucial roles in the secondary this season.

However, injuries have sidelined Larry Ogunjobi, Nate Herbig, and Tre Norwood for Saturday's game. Tomlin also hopes to evaluate Anthony McFarland's kick returns and Calvin Austin III's punt returns.

Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Aug. 17, NFL Network at 7:30 pm ET.

When this was written, the Eagles are favored over the Browns -4 at all PA sportsbooks. PA sportsbooks have the games point total at 36 points at Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings, while BetMGM is slightly lower at 35.5 total points.

As the Eagles gear up for their second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field, notable players are worthy of keeping a special eye on.

Jalen Carter, the No. 9 overall pick, made a strong preseason debut, forcing an incomplete pass and recording a quarterback hit against the Ravens. His dominant performance carried into joint practices, with two sacks and a fumble recovery. Though his playtime might be limited on Thursday, all eyes will be on Carter.

Nolan Smith, another first-round pick, Smith showed promise against the Ravens but not as much flash as Carter. He managed a quarterback hit and almost secured a strip sack.

Sydney Brown, the third-round safety, made an impact with nine tackles against the Ravens. His presence led to reps with the first-team defense in joint practices, though an aggressive hit against the Browns drew criticism.

Nakobe Dean is fully recovered from an ankle injury, hopefully leading him to feature in linebacker roles. He holds the massively important role of the defensive green dot helmet, meaning he relays the plays from the d-coordinator to the rest of the defense.