Here are some bold predictions for the Steelers week nine matchup against the Cowboys
To put it lightly, the Steelers should be in control of this game based on the struggles that the Cowboys have. They have suffered through enough serious injuries to inhibit their roster and even before that their defense was playing like one of the worst in the NFL. Now, they prep to face the Steelers, a team that has the best record in the NFL and are a growing favorite for a potential Super Bowl berth.
That makes the idea of bold predictions for this game rather difficult, as the boldest predictions would entail having the Cowboys win. That said, there are still quite a few that could hold up this week. Last week, my prediction that Lamar Jackson would struggle was the only one that came true. That said, it proved to be the most important factor in the Steelers winning. Had Jackson had a usual outing, the Steelers would likely have lost in week eight.
While none of the bold predictions this week are a slam dunk to hold up, it isn’t impossible that one or two end up coming true on Sunday. As well, depending on how true they end up being, it could significantly alter the game. Both teams are playing for something. The Steelers want to keep their lead over the NFL while the Cowboys are still in the race to win the NFC East somehow. Neither team can afford to lay down this week.
With all of this said, here are four bold predictions for the Steelers vs the Cowboys in week nine.
Williamson makes an impact
The Steelers announced shortly after their win last week that they were trading for veteran inside linebacker Avery Williamson. The former Jet came in early enough that he should be available to play this Sunday. While he may be eligible to play, less than a week to learn the playbook makes him see a lot of snaps unlikely. On top of this, there has been a constant insistence that Williamson was brought in as depth and not to start over either of the two players ahead of him.
While he may not be on the field as a starter, he should see some snaps as a rotational player. As well, if this game favors the Steelers early and they build a lead, Williamson may be subbed in to help him get through any of his growing pains. Even if he only sees backup level snaps, I think he does enough to get an interception. While it may not be taken to the house like Robert Spillane’s, but it will show that Williamson is here to play.
He seems fired up to be with the Steelers, so expect him to try and make some noise whenever he can. While he won’t see more than probably 30 percent of the defensive snaps, it seems like a good bet that he turns up on the stat sheet. Expect to see his best Sunday as he wants the Steelers to look like even more of winners from this trade.
Lamb doesn’t lie down
While losing Dak Prescott was a major blow to the Cowboys’ success, it doesn’t diminish the talent they have assembled at the receiver position. While any of their three starters could be a starter on any team, rookie CeeDee Lamb has looked like a generational talent. He has over 500 reception yards already, an impressive number considering the recent sag in production due to lacking QB play.
While the Steelers’ defense has been good, the secondary has had their struggles. While whatever quarterback starts for the Cowboys will likely be the worst one the Steelers have seen all season, it doesn’t mean one of these receivers can’t succeed. Out of the three, Lamb has the potential to hurt the Steelers due to his insane talent. Mix in the mediocre secondary, and suddenly Lamb looks like he could have a day this Sunday.
While it may not be enough to get the Cowboys a win, it could be enough to avoid a blowout. While the outside corners will be prepping for the other starting receiver, Lamb will be going up against Cameron Sutton or whoever the Steelers decide to put in the slot. While Sutton can hold his own, if a linebacker accidentally gets placed on Lamb, it could be a disaster. Don’t be surprised if Lamb goes off against the Steelers.
Conner has his best game to date
Very quietly, James Conner has returned to his 2018 form this season, as the former pro-bowler has been consistent in running so far this season. Part of the reason for his success is the fact that he has been able to mostly stay healthy, which shows just what kind of a talent Conner is. While saying he will have a good game against a bad Cowboys defense on Sunday isn’t bold, saying that he will have the best game of his career in just over three quarters is.
To date, Conner’s best statistical game was in week eight during 2018, when he mauled the Browns defense to the tune of over 200 total yards and a pair of scores. This game against the Cowboys looks to have that same potential for production, and if the Steelers can jump to an early lead, he may have the opportunity to carry the ball more often. Throw in his usual production as a pass catcher, and suddenly he could outproduce his legendary 2018 output.
On top of this, I don’t think he plays the full game, as the Steelers would likely pull starters if the game is out of reach. This means Benny Snell would likely take over as the primary ball carrier. Say this happens with around ten minutes left in the game, and suddenly Conner not only had his best statistical performance ever, but he does it in less than a full game. Such a game would hopefully earn him recognition for the good season he is having.
Rudolph makes an appearance
While most fans would likely be concerned if I told them Mason Rudolph sees the field on Sunday, this will be a good thing. After torching the Cowboys through the first two quarters and then pounding them with the run in the third, Ben Roethlisberger gets to rest during the fourth quarter. This allows for Rudolph to see some snaps along with some other backups. While he would likely rely on just running the ball at that point, seeing him close out the game would be a good thing.
As well as just seeing the field, I think he connects with former teammate James Washington for a late score. While he misses a few passes, he doesn’t look like a train wreck. At the bare minimum, he gives fans confidence if Roethlisberger had to miss a game with an injury. If he looks particularly sharp, he could reinsert his name into the “future successor” hat for the Steelers.
Granted, if Rudolph sees snaps this week due to an injury, his play will pale in comparison to the severity of the injury suffered by Roethlisberger. If the Steelers can win this game early though, getting Rudolph some snaps would be a plus. While it doesn’t have to happen, showing that the Steelers may still have something in the former third-round pick would be a relief.
While none of these bold predictions are a guarantee to come true, it will be a testament to the outcome likely if any of them do. Again, the Steelers are heavily favored in this game, meaning that bold predictions are hard to come by. That said, the ones above have a real shot at happening and would likely aid in determining the final winner this Sunday.