The Steelers look to get another win Thursday night.
The Steelers will take the field on Thanksgiving night in Indianapolis looking for another win. After four losses in a row, the team needs to string some wins together. They can be thankful for the fact that Indianapolis looks to be without starting Quarterback Andrew Luck. His replacement, Scott Tolzien, will start his third NFL game. His last start was three years ago. The Steelers defense finally played a good game last week against the winless Cleveland Browns. This is an excellent opportunity to keep that sort of quality play going.
Pittsburgh has played well against the Colts in the last couple of seasons and they have other things working in their favor. The Colts are near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories. Ben Roethlisberger had a lot of success against them last year and the team was without Le’Veon Bell. Having Bell back for this matchup means the Colts have to be aware of the dynamic back and his versatility and patience.
MUSTS: The Killer B’s and Eli Rogers
As we’ve said in the past, the Killer B’s are a must start each week. Last week the ground game was the focus, as the winds in Cleveland (and throughout the NFL) were whipping though the air. That won’t be the case in Indy. In addition to Brown, Rogers should see a lot of targets, and I believe this week he makes the most of them.
MIGHTS: Steelers DST, Frank Gore
With Tolzien making his third start in as many years, the Steeler defense has to capitalize. This team needs to improve on defense if they have any playoff hopes, and the Colts provide that opportunity on Thanksgiving night. Gore is of use (especially in PPR) as he should be catching a lot of outlet passes. Depending on how Tolzien’s game is going, Indianapolis may focus very heavy on the run.
MISSES: Donte Moncrief
I would say any player catching balls on the Colts’ side will be touchdown dependent. Even though TY Hilton had a great game last week and you are going to start him as you probably don’t have any other option, I would avoid Moncrief and any other Colts receiver.
Happy Thanksgiving.