Week 10: Saints @ Steelers
It’s nice that the Pittsburgh Steelers actually have a bye week in the middle of the season after they had one so early last year. Following their Week 9 bye, the Steelers will begin the second half of the year with a home game against the Saints.
Despite not having consistent quarterback play since the retirement of Drew Brees, New Orleans managed to be very competitive this past season — finishing 9-8 and narrowly missing the playoffs. The Saints were in a terrible financial situation to begin the 2022 offseason, but they made some moves to keep their head above water while holding onto most of their talent in the process.
Still, I don’t know if I can buy into the Saints being just as good this year. With a new head coach in town in Dennis Allen, this team is also dealing with being pressed up against the cap ceiling. Offensively, they lack firepower much like the Steelers do and they rely on strong and consistent defensive play to keep them competitive.
With this game being at home for the Steelers following a bye, I have Pittsburgh taking this and keeping themselves somewhat in the playoff hunt.