Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Picks and Prediction for Sunday October 18 2026

In week six NFL action, the Pittsburgh Steelers will invade Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kick off is scheduled for Sunday October 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm EST. CBS will broadcast this inter-conference battle. Oddsmakers have made the Steelers a three-point road favorite with the total sitting at 40.5. Be sure to check out our free NFL picks for more NFL predictions throughout the season.

Pittsburgh in search of an identity

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a model of consistency, but are in search of a new identity after head coach Mike Tomlin stepped away. New Head coach Mike McCarthy has provided a boost to the offense for the Steelers (3-2) and it remains to be seen if the defense can remain playoff-caliber. On Sunday, Pittsburgh did not turn the ball over during a 34-22 home victory versus Indianapolis. 

Forty-two year old QB Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Jaylen Warren carried 15 times for a game-high 101 yards and a score. Warren started the scoring for the Steelers with an 80-yard touchdown reception.

Since Pittsburgh lacks a mobile quarterback, it is no surprise that they score touchdowns on just 54.5 percent of their red zone trips. The Steelers have committed just six giveaways and average 22.2 points per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the middle of the pack in total defense (324.2 ypg) and gives up 21.8 points per contest.

Tampa Bay off to a horrific start 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time in four years a season ago and could be looking for a new head coach this offseason. The Buccaneers (1-4) are tied with New Orleans for last place in the NFC South Division and just snapped a brutal 0-13 ATS streak. On Thursday, Tampa Bay erupted for 17 points in the third quarter to earn a surprising 24-16 road victory against Dallas. 

Tampa Bay RB Bucky Irving had a coming out party with a career-high 165 rushing yards and a score. Undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels managed the game well with 189 passing yards and five-yard touchdown to Irving. The Buccaneers forced three turnovers and converted 7-for-13 third down attempts. 

Tampa Bay have a ton of issues on their offensive line and have converted just 47 percent of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns. The Buccaneers have allowed an alarming 17 sacks and are scoring 20 points per game. Tampa Bay ranks seventh in the NFL in total defense (299.4 ypg) and have forced seven turnovers.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Picks and Prediction

Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -3

Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb and is expected to miss several weeks. This line had the Buccaneers as a 1.5 point favorite back in July, but the Steelers are now rightly the favorites. Pittsburgh is clicking on offense and Tampa Bay has turned the keys on offense to an undrafted rookie. Take the Steelers to win by a touchdown.

Pick: Over 42.5

The forecast for Tampa calls for temperatures in the 80s and a 65 percent chance of rain. The Steelers are averaging a shade below 30 points in their previous three games and Bucky Irving should continue to produce. With the conditions and an undrafted rookie playing QB for the Buccaneers, a defensive touchdown is also on the table. Take the over. 

Final Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20