The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical Week 18 game against the Browns, and here are three bold predictions for the matchup.
The Steelers have surprisingly clawed their way back into playoff contention after an abysmal start to the season. Let’s be clear: many of the earlier issues with this team still exist, but Pittsburgh has found a way to overcome them and win in the latter half of the year. They now square up against the Browns who would love nothing more than to end the Steelers season with a loss.
I follow a common trend for my final bold predictions article of the regular season. This team seems set in its ways: a running offense and a defense that does just enough to win. I think the script changes this week. Cleveland can easily exploit this defense, and I think they gameplan around stopping the run. With that said, here are three bold predictions for the final regular season game of the season.
Pickett has a coming-out party for Steelers
Kenny Pickett has had a turbulent rookie season, to say the least. While he has flashed, he has also had plenty of poor outings and throws. He has gotten more conservative in recent weeks and safer with the ball, but his overall performances have still been lacking. Outside of his impressive late-game comebacks, Pickett isn’t playing like an elite quarterback.
That changes this week. With the Browns defense likely centered around stopping the run, the Steelers come out throwing the ball. In turn, this is Pickett’s best outing as a rookie. 350 passing yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. After a very hot and cold rookie season, Pickett finally puts it all together in the last week of the season.
Pickens throws his name into ROTY
After a slow start to the season, George Pickens turned it on and has become the Steelers top receiver on the roster. His hands and body control are elite and once his route running gets better, he will likely be a top receiver in the league. That said, he has quieted down over the final stretch of games as defenses have targeted him more.
He ends his rookie season on a high note though, logging 180 yards receiving and all three of Pickett’s touchdowns. No matter who the Browns task with covering him, Pickens wins and wins big. He sets the stage for an elite second season. As well, he gets his name thrown around as a late addition to the offensive rookie of the year award.
Steelers keep Tomlin’s streak alive
It looked very much in doubt that Mike Tomlin’s streak of never having a losing season was coming to an end this year. Now, with an 8-8 record, Pittsburgh can win this game and continue the impressive streak. This game is no easy walkthrough though, as the Browns are a talented team and would like nothing more than to end this streak.
Because of the impressive passing offense, the Steelers do ultimately get the win and preserve Tomlin’s winning streak. That said, it isn’t enough to get into the playoffs, meaning this team still misses out on the postseason play.
The Steelers season is on the line this week, and they face a Browns team that would love nothing more than to eliminate them. It won’t be an easy game by any means, and the Steelers still have a lot of work to get done if they want to win. Keep these bold predictions in mind as week 18 determines the result of the Steelers season.