Longtime AFC power Pittsburgh finds itself in the Black Hole today as it takes on former AFC power Oakland. Start time in this afternoon’s week three skirmish between the Steelers and Raiders is set for 4:25pm ET on CBS. The latest Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders Odds are leaning toward Ben Roethlisberger and company, who are a -4 against the spread favorite and a -200 money line play ($200 wins $100). The game total in this contest is presently set at 45.5 points.

Pittsburgh, despite the lopsided score, nearly opened its season with a win at Denver, but there was no ‘almost’ about anything it did in week two. The Steelers dismantled the Jets 27-10 at Heinz Field after limiting New York to 16 first downs and 219 total yards.

Pittsburgh’s dominating defensive performance opposite the Jets did not features the services of James Harrison or Troy Polamalu. Both players, who are considered the lynchpins of the Steelers vaunted defense, will also sit out today’s contest with Raiders.

Based upon what Oakland’s offense has generated through two games, the presence of Harrison and Polamalu may not matter. The Raiders are averaging 358.5 yards per game (while respectable, that average would be lower were it not for the large chunk of yardage Oakland piled up chasing Miami last weekend), but they have totaled a mere 27 points in two games.

It seems unlikely that Oakland is ready for some sort of outburst today. The Raiders are averaging 16.6 points per game in their last three meetings with the Steelers and they have not topped 20 points at home against Pittsburgh since January of 1984.

Steelers at Raiders Preview and Odds:

Pittsburgh Steelers -4 (-115), Over 45.5 (-110), -200 (Moneyline)

Oakland Raiders +4 (-105), Under 45.5 (-110), +170 (Moneyline)

NFL Free Picks: Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders Betting
What pro football bettors need to know about Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders on Sunday (9/23/12) - a free picks from Pregame.com's RJ Bell, with Vegas Runner.