Steelers vs. Panthers: Preseason Week 3 Betting Preview

Steelers vs. Panthers: Preseason Week 3 Betting Preview

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CTLocation: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NCBroadcast: NFL Network

The Carolina Panthers (0-2) close out their preseason hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1). With roster cuts approaching, this is the final opportunity for players to make a strong impression and secure a spot on the regular-season roster.

Current Odds (as of August 21)

Team	Spread	Total (O/U)	Moneyline
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)	-5.5 (-110)	35.0 (-110)	-240
Carolina Panthers (0-2)	+5.5 (-110)	35.0 (-110)	+196

Odds from Caesars & DraftKings, subject to change.

Team Outlook

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Quarterback Situation: No Aaron Rodgers expected to play. Mike Tomlin has spread snaps between Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Logan Woodside, with Rudolph likely to see limited action.

• Defense: Despite key players like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, and Darius Slay expected to rest, backups will showcase their skills in this final preseason game.

• Offense: Backup quarterbacks have shown mixed performances; Westwood has yet to throw a touchdown and has one interception in preseason.

Carolina Panthers

• Quarterback Situation: Bryce Young and Andy Dalton will not play. Jack Plummer and newly signed Bryce Perkins, a United Football League MVP, will lead the offense. Perkins has had only limited practice time with the team.

• Offensive Struggles: The Panthers have been outscored 50-13 in their two preseason games. Plummer has thrown two interceptions and no touchdowns, completing passes with a 51.0 QBR.

• Defense: Focus is on young defensive players stepping up as Carolina's offense has been ineffective.

Betting Trends

• Pittsburgh Steelers: 1-1 ATS in the 2025 preseason

• Carolina Panthers: 0-2 ATS in the 2025 preseason

• Total Points: Steelers have one over and one under; Panthers are 0-2 to the under with low scoring totals.

The spread has moved from around +3 for the Panthers to +5.5 after confirmation that both Bryce Young and Andy Dalton are out.

Key Matchups

• Panthers' quarterback duo of Plummer and Perkins will be tested against a deep Steelers defense.

• Steelers' backup defense vs. Panthers' struggling offense.

• Roster battles for all players on the field as both teams finalize their rosters.

Game-Day Weather

• Temperature: Approximately 72°F at kickoff

• Conditions: Mostly clear skies

• Precipitation: 5% chance

• Wind: 6 mph from the south

Expert Picks and Best Bets

• Pick: Steelers -5.5

• Total: Under 35 (Odds -110)

With significant uncertainty and limited offensive production from Carolina, this game is projected to be low scoring. Pittsburgh’s defensive depth and steadier quarterback options favor the Steelers to win by a comfortable margin.

How to Watch

• Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

• Date and Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM ET

• Broadcast: NFL Network

WHO WILL WIN?

• STEELERS
• PANTHERS

In summary, the Steelers appear poised to cover the spread behind a stronger and deeper roster, while the Panthers’ offense faces challenges with inexperienced quarterbacks and limited weapons. Expect a defense-oriented, low-scoring game with Pittsburgh holding the advantage.