Steelers vs Colts: Breakdown, matchups and prediction

Matchups

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers WR Antonio Brown vs Colts CB Vontae Davis

Brown had a tough showing last week against Seattle’s Richard Sherman.  This week he faces cornerback Vontae Davis who hasn’t quite matched his 2014 Pro Bowl season.  On the other side cornerback Greg Toler has dealt with a neck injury and shows an inclination to give up big plays.  This could be great news for Martavis Bryant.

Steelers Secondary vs Colts T.Y. Hilton

There has been word that the Steelers will be moving some players around in their backfield.  They will be tested by T.Y Hilton who has 819 yards and 5 TD’s on the season.  He will be Hasselbecks go-to receiver this week, though Colts WR Donte Moncrief is more than capable of monopolizing on poor coverage. Moncrief  has averaged 53.1 yards a game and has 5 TD’s on the year.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger vs Colts defense

The Colts defense has stiffened up over the last six games.  They have faced some of the best QB’s in the game,  Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston, and held them to an averaged 57.0 completion rate and a passer rating of 81.99.  However, in their last meeting ,Ben Roethlisberger torched them for 522 yards and six touchdowns.

RB DeAngelo Williams vs Colts defensive front seven

Last week I predicted that Steelers WR Markus Wheaton could have a big game against Seattle’s nickel corners.  This week I think its Williams who could potentially put up big numbers against this Colts defense.

Williams hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 10 against the Oakland Raiders.  This week he faces the 24th-ranked run defense in the NFL and the Steelers will most definitely try to set up a productive running game to slow down the Colts pass rush and protect Roethlisberger.

Next: Prediction