NFL Schedule Release: Predicting Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2014 Record
By Matt Shetler
Week 13 Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints
Kickoff Time: 1:00 pm
Network: FOX
Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks at a paper against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers have become pretty much automatic following bye weeks as they have won their last six games following the week off.
While it is likely that string ends soon and it would be smart to predict against the trend, I’m taking the Steelers here against Drew Brees and company.
Brees could have success against the Steelers’ secondary but it will be Roethlisberger who leads the Steelers on a game winning drive with a touchdown pass to former Saints’ wide receiver Lance Moore.
Prediction: Steelers 31-30 (7-5)
Week 14 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Kickoff Time: 1:00 pm
Network: CBS
Fighting for their playoff lives, the Steelers get their first look at the Cincinnati Bengals, who I expect to be at the top of the division again this season.
The key for the Bengals is can quarterback Andy Dalton take the next step?
He will in this game as the Steelers will have a hard time forcing the mistake-prone quarterback into mistakes as they will have trouble getting pressure.
Meanwhile the Bengals defense is good enough to shut down Bell and will be able to pressure Roethlisberger effectively. I also feel the combination of Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis will have success moving the ball on the ground.
Ultimately A.J. Green finally has a big day against the aging Ike Taylor and the Bengals come into Pittsburgh and win going away.
Prediction: Bengals 31-17 (7-6)