Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' result, along with sharing a few related thoughts.
For a full preview of the matchup with the Jaguars, check out my breakdown.
Chris Halicke (3-3): I'm really encouraged by the way the Steelers looked in the second half last week. I feel like it's something tangible they can truly build on. However, I don't think the Steelers match up well against the Jaguars. Jacksonville is dominant against the run, and the Steelers haven't exactly tried much to establish the run. That might make Pittsburgh one dimensional against a defense that leads the NFL in takeaways. The Jaguars have allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the league, so there will be an opportunity for the Steelers to move the ball through the air. I just fear it may come at the cost of a couple painful turnovers. Jaguars, 23-20
Corey Crisan (2-4): I love this matchup. It’s one of the best in the NFL this week. Travis Etienne Jr. has been incredible as of late and I worry that he could be in line for a monster day. Mitigating him as much as possible will be the key for the Steelers. Jacksonville is due to cool down soon. Steelers 21-15
Matt Williamson (2-4): I expect a lot of points for a Steelers game, but I do expect Kenny Pickett, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens to have success against a very lackluster Jacksonville secondary. But I am also expecting Trevor Lawrence and company to move the ball well through the air and on the ground. If you told me this was a Jaguars double-digit win, I could certainly believe it. Overall, I don't have a strong feel for how this game will go, but it will be very telling nonetheless. Jaguars, 26-24
Ramon Foster (3-3): Home game. Kenny has the ability to throw the ball down the field a little bit. The fact that the Jaguars are going to force the Steelers to not run the ball, that means there can be more plays down the field. I'm a believer they're capable of it. If Kenny's confident enough -- and he had a little bit of that last week -- of spinning the ball down the field, that's not farfetched. I know we know that. We just haven't seen it. I'm gonna say we crack 30 points this weekend. Book it. Steelers, 31-17
Let's have your predictions in the comments!
