5 bold predictions for the Steelers vs. the Bears in week 9

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes under pressure from Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Steelers 23-17 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes under pressure from Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Steelers 23-17 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after a sack Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers Watt takes over

T.J. Watt has had an incredible half of a season so far. In just eight games, he has posted an incredible 8.5 sacks. Not only that, but he has looked unblockable for most of the season. No matter if it is a running play or pass play, Watt is regularly beating his man and making a play in the backfield. Add in the fact that he was slowed with a groin injury early in the year and these numbers are even more impressive.

All of that said, his best matchup of the year so far will be this week against the Bears. They have one of the worst offensive lines in football and have a rookie quarterback that struggles with decision-making and timing in the pocket. Add in that rookie Larry Borom is going to be tasked with blocking Watt, and this matchup is easily exploitable. Borom has a lackluster 55.3 grade on PFF and has only started one other game.

Watt should be a force this week. I’m saying that Watt totals 3.5 sacks on the game, forces two fumbles, and picks off an attempted screen pass for Khalil Herbert. He is all over the field and makes Fields miserable by the end of the game. The defense has a whole does well to apply pressure and stop this offense, but Watt is a step above the rest.

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