Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Preview, Prediction, Live Stream and more
By Matt Shetler
Key For Vikings:
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
1. Create Turnovers: As mentioned, the Steelers have turned it over nine times through three games, so the opportunities will be there for the Vikings to make big plays on defense. If they win the turnover battle, they likely get their first win.
2. Get to Roethlisberger: Roethlisberger has taken a beating in every game and has been under non-stop pressure. He has been sacked 10 times already and hit a ton more than that. The Vikings have only four sacks this season, which is one more than the Steelers have. With the Steelers shaky offensive line, there will be plenty of opportunities to get to Roethlisberger.
3. All Day: Adrian Peterson ran for a 78-yard touchdown on his first carry of the season, but he’s since averaged just 2.9 yards per rush. While the Steelers haven’t been bad defensively, all three teams they have played have had success running right at them, including allowing a 100-yard night to Matt Forte last week.
For the Vikings to have a chance, they must get a big day from Peterson. The Steelers limited Peterson to 69 yards on 18 carries in a 27-17 home win Oct. 25, 2009, in the most recent meeting. However that was a long time ago and things have changed dramatically with this team. I would expect Peterson to have a bigger day.
Key Matchup:
Jared Allen vs. Steelers tackles:
Allen didn’t have a tackle last week against the Cleveland Browns and after a real quiet game, you should expect something bigger out of him this week. He has only one sack on the season and should be feasting on the likes of Mike Adams or Kelvin Beachum this week.
It’s never a good thing when both tackles get benched in the same game for a seventh-round pick, which happened last week. If Allen has a good day against this Steelers struggling offense line, it could go a long way to a Vikings win.
Prediction: For a change I think the Steelers will make enough big plays on both sides of the ball to pull off a win. That doesn’t mean they are back, but I like them against this Vikings defense. Steelers 23, Vikings 20.