Patriots vs. Steelers player props: Odds, picks, best bets for ‘Thursday Night Football’

Don’t blame us, we didn’t pick this game.

OK, with that established, Thursday night’s ugly Patriots vs. Steelers matchup, with a historic-low over/under projection, does have some betting opportunities.

We found four props that, at the very least, will keep you interested in this matchup.

Coming off a game in which he managed just 141 passing yards against an incompetent Chargers pass defense, Zappe could be playing a game of limbo in this one.

How low can the Patriots backup quarterback go?

If Zappe could only muster 141 against the league leader in passing yards allowed, what is he going to do against the Steelers that has allowed the NFL’s third-fewest receiving yards (164.0) over the last three games?

This one could be really ugly.

Many thought Porter Jr. was a first-round talent, but the Steelers got a steal in the second round. And he’s been nothing short of brilliant, especially since replacing Levi Wallace as a starting cornerback opposite Patrick Peterson in late October.

Porter has gone over this number in three of the five games since Mike Tomlin installed him as the starter, but he was forced into a tackling role going up against multiple No. 1 receivers like DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper, JaMarr Chase and Marquise Brown.

But the Patriots are battling injuries in their receiving corps and Porter’s job should be made lighter against DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thronton, who won’t be drawing many targets from Zappe.

It’s not exactly a bye week for Porter, but should be more of an observer tonight.

Expect a heavier workload for Elliott with Rhamondre Stevenson sitting this one out with an injury. And more carries equals more opportunities to score for Elliott, who has two touchdowns and 14 red zone carries this season.

Don’t expect Zappe – seeing a trend yet? – to become Tom Brady. Not against an average Steelers run defense that the Patriots will want to take advantage of by handing it off to Elliott.

Of course, they’ll have to get into the red zone for Elliott to run the ball in, but Mitch Trubisky could give the Patriots short-field opportunities on offense. And don’t forget that last week the Steelers allowed James Conner to cross the end zone’s plane not once but twice on running plays.

Plus-money on Robinson busting this number is too good to pass up, considering he’s had seven receptions on eight targets in the last three weeks.

With his increased usage of late, just plug your nose on this one and place your bet on the veteran receiver getting two or more receptions.