Writer’s picks: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 1 matchup vs. New York Giants
As the NFL returns for opening week, our team at Still Curtain is back as well with our annual Pittsburgh Steelers weekly predictions.
Eight months ago, our very own Ryan Pawloski was awarded an authentic Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” towel from the 70s after finishing with the best record, 8-6, amongst the Still Curtain writing group. Ryan’s bragging rights have followed us the whole offseason, the pandemic seemed to prolong time and the bragging only made the offseason even slower.
Now he returns, with some familiar and new faces as well, hoping not to relinquish his throne. While everything stated above is not valid, besides Ryan being the champion by one game, it is kickoff week for the Pittsburgh’s 2020 NFL season against the Giants.
In unison, our team here envisions the Steelers starting the year victorious, however, in several different ways seen below.
Predictions & Explanations
”Steelers defense will be too much for the Giants offense, Pittsburgh will gain 6+ sacks in the win.” – Christian Brown (Steelers 28-17)
“I’m going Pittsburgh. Darius Slayton a pair of big TDs. However, it isn’t enough to beat JuJu who has 120 yards and a TD as well as James Conner who has 150 total yards and a pair of scores” – Andrew Falce (Steelers 24-20)
“Under the bright lights at MET LIFE stadium, the Steelers welcome back our franchise QB. After a rough start, Pittsburgh’s offense finally gets on track. The defense, a bit leaky at first, shuts the door on a Giants comeback. Our Steelers take game one” – Eric Hassel (Steelers 27-23)
“The Steelers defense will finally be accompanied by their franchise quarterback and Pittsburgh will be back. Daniel Jones will not have enough experience to match the Black and Gold’s defense.” – Ed Hunt (Steelers 27-23)
“Big Ben’s return gets the Steelers offense started on the right foot and they move the ball with ease against a weaker Giants defense. Pittsburgh’s defense will pick-up right where it left off from 2019 and make the night an uncomfortable one for Daniel Jones. Barkley will probably get his numbers but overall nothing that hurts the Steelers a lot.” – Brandon Kring (Steelers 31-17)
“The Steelers are currently 5.5 point favorites over the New York Giants, but that doesn’t automatically mean this game will be a walk in the park. Pittsburgh is notorious for their slow starts to begin the year. Last season, they opened with a 30-point loss to New England in Foxborough. While I expect this matchup to go a little more smoothly, it could be closer than fans anticipate. Still, Pittsburgh is the better team, and I have them taking care of business in Week 1 this year.” – Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 26-20)
“The first exhibition for the Steelers in 2020, however its not much of a contest. The Black and Gold dominate on defense for the Giants to find any consistency on offense, as Pittsburgh rolls.” Carson Lee (Steelers 34-17)
“With a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and a team riddled with youth, the New York Giants are in a position where an off-season was vital for their team growth, & to get things going early in the season. For the Steelers, it’s the polar opposite & are returning the franchise, veteran QB, Ben Roethlisberger, who is claimed to be in his best shape in years. In a time when an off-season was important, I’m taking the natural talent & experienced roster, for a more-than-convincing win by Pittsburgh on the road.” – Jordan Newman (Steelers 27-6)
“The Steelers are far and away the better roster and now they have a motivated Ben Roethlisberger returning. Stopping Saquan Barkley will be the biggest issue but the team shouldn’t have much of a issue. Pittsburgh should be able to win this game without stressing their fans too much.” – Ryan Pawloski: 2019-20 Champion (Steelers 24-13)
“Pittsburgh will go into Met Life and don’t experience much trouble against the New York Giants. They get the win easy in week one.” – Casey Sadekoski (Steelers 28-13)