3 ways Steelers can avoid disaster against the Vikings in Week 14

The Pittsburgh Steelers can ill-afford to lose against the Minnesota Vikings. here’s how they can avoid disaster in Week 14. 

The Steelers kept their playoff hopes alive as they narrowly escaped with a win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. Sadly, Pittsburgh is still on the outside looking in as their 6-5-1 record isn’t good enough for one of the three Wild Card spots in the AFC if the season ended today.

Mike Tomlin’s team can inch their way closer to a playoff berth with a win on Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings, but this won’t come easy. Week 14 betting odds from WynnBET have Minnesota favored on their own turf, but here are three ways the Steelers can avoid disaster against the Vikings and increase their odds of making the playoffs this season:

Steelers must get Kirk Cousins uncomfortable

I don’t think many fans realize just how efficient Kirk Cousins has been over the past three seasons. While defense used to be the strength of this team once upon a time, it has been the offense leading the charge for some time now.

So far this season, Cousins has 25 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions en route to an impressive 106.3 passer rating. If he continues at this rate, Cousins will string together his third consecutive season of a passer rating of at least 105.0.

Despite their recent losses, Cousins has been impressive, and the Vikings have scored 29.0 points per game over their last five contests. T.J. Watt and company will need to provide quick and consent pressure early in the game to avoid letting Cousins get into a rhythm. If they can get him flustered, Pittsburgh will hold the upper hand.