Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
TV: —
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head north to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Week 2 preseason battle that should provide valuable reps for both quarterback rooms. Tampa Bay is coming off a strong showing in their opener, while Pittsburgh will look to build more consistency on offense after a slow start last week.
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Matchup Overview
Tampa Bay enters as a 3.5-point road favorite with the total set at 39.5. The Buccaneers are expected to give Kyle Trask and rookie Jordan Travis extended snaps after Baker Mayfield’s early series. The Steelers should split time between Russell Wilson’s backup Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, giving both meaningful in-game work.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensively, Tampa Bay’s depth shined in Week 1, with Trask delivering accurate mid-range passes and Travis flashing mobility. RB Sean Tucker paced the run game with strong inside bursts. On defense, the Buccaneers were physical at the line of scrimmage and generated multiple sacks. Special teams were a strength, including a blocked punt that set up a short touchdown. Tampa Bay has covered the spread in six of their last eight preseason games.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ offense was slow to find its footing in Week 1, but Pickett’s ability to push the ball vertically was a bright spot. Rookie RB Roman Hemby showed burst and vision, earning more snaps this week. Defensively, Pittsburgh’s front seven held firm against the run but struggled in zone coverage. Special teams were steady, with a 50-yard field goal conversion highlighting the night. The Steelers are 4-1 ATS in their last five home preseason games.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Backup QB Efficiency – Trask and Pickett will be key in sustaining drives.
- Run Defense – Both teams have the personnel to limit ground production.
- Special Teams Impact – A single big play could be the difference in a low-possession game.
Betting Odds
- Spread: Buccaneers -3.5 / Steelers +3.5
- Total (O/U): 39.5
- Moneyline: Buccaneers -175 / Steelers +145
(Odds via ESPN BET at time of writing — subject to change)
Prediction
Tampa Bay’s offensive depth and defensive pass rush give them the edge, but Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage could keep it close early. Expect the Buccaneers to pull ahead in the second half as their QB rotation outperforms the Steelers’.
Projected Final Score:
Buccaneers 23 – Steelers 17
- Total Points: 40 → ✅ Over 39.5
- Margin: 6 points → ✅ Buccaneers cover -3.5
Best Bets
- Buccaneers -3.5 (-110) – QB depth and defensive edge lean Tampa Bay’s way.
- Over 39.5 (-110) – Late scoring pushes this game over the number.
- First Half Buccaneers -2 (-110) – Expect Tampa to jump ahead early.
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