Don't expect an offensive onslaught by the Steelers in this game, but it is one of the better opportunities to grow on that side of the ball. The Colts enter this game with a list of names who could miss this contest due to injury. Some are role players while others are starters. Pittsburgh will be missing some starters too, but they have the better players healthy to suit up overall.
Pittsburgh comes into this game undefeated, and they should be able to take care of business on the road when you look at most picks for this game. The Colts have a solid team, but they are a group still forming an identity. Their young quarterback has shown early signs of inconsistency, which could linger into this Week 4 battle. Both teams want to play tough football at the line of scrimmage.
Expect the Steelers to get a lot of love in prediction articles this week. They are the better team heading into this game, but that doesn't mean this will be a cakewalk. They need to shut down Jonathan Taylor and force Anthony Richardson into a turnover or two. Pittsburgh should be up for the challenge in their attempt to keep their perfect record alive.
Still Curtain Expert panel predictions will keep Steeler's jovial
"The Colts are struggling in their games and the Steelers are riding a 3-game win streak and sporting a top defense in the league. Pittsburgh's offense seemed to find somewhat of a groove in the second half against the Chargers and that momentum should carry over against a Colts defense that has been awful against the run and league average at best elsewhere. Fields will have his first 2+ passing TD game and the Steelers backfield will run for 150 yards and take home the win." - Brandon Kring (Steelers 24-6)
"Steelers defied my expectations last week and face a Colts team this week that is a favorable matchup. Anthony Richardson plays right into the teams plans with his erratic highs and lows. Assuming they can limit the run game, this should be Pittsburgh's game to lose. I'm hesitant to call them going 4-0, but I think they take this one." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 20-13)
"Anthony Richardson has gotten off to a slow start this season against some solid defenses. He won't be able to turn things around against the best defense in the league to give the Colts a chance. Meanwhile, the Steelers' offense has to be riding a high of confidence behind Justin Fields. Steelers win a bit more comfortably." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 23-6)
"The Steelers are one of five remaining undefeated teams in the NFL, and their journey on top isn't over yet. Though Pittsburgh lost their last game to Indianapolis, they won eight straight regular-season contests against the Colts before that. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson can't take care of the football, and an elite defense could make him pay." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 20-17)
"The Steelers travel to face the Colts for yet another road game. Winning our first two road games does not, unfortunately, carry over to this game. The Steelers play tough and make it close at the end, but the outcome is decided by a late Colts FG." - Eric C Hassel (Colts 20-17)
Final predictions has Steelers redeeming themselves vs. Colts
Score Prediction: Steelers 21, Colts 17
Justin Fields has shown signs of improvement each week. If he wants to keep the starting job when Russell Wilson returns from injury, then he will have to keep that trend going. One thing that Fields could expand upon is scoring touchdowns, or at least getting drives into the endzone. If Fields could build off of his two-touchdown performance from last week, then Pittsburgh might be onto something.
Najee Harris is ready to go for this game, and it presents a great opportunity for him and Pittsburgh's running game. They should be able to impose their will upfront for most of the contest and make life easier for Fields. Be careful from turning the ball over, and they should be able to move the ball well. Both teams want to run the ball, so the time should bleed off the clock rather quickly in this game.
When it comes to defense, Pittsburgh has one of the best in the NFL heading into Week 4. The Colts have a solid offensive line, so this will be a big challenge to stop their rushing attack. It is ok if a run or two gets loose to a certain degree, but the defense has to bend and not break in those scenarios. If they can force Richardson into a situation where he has to win the game, then it will be a perfect spot for the Steelers.
Besides the run game, Indianapolis has a handful of solid options to throw to. This will be a big challenge for Pittsburgh's secondary. If the Steelers can slow down the run enough and get pressure on Richardson, then the secondary's job will get much easier in this contest. It probably won't be pretty, but the Steelers should be able to win by cashing in on touchdowns rather than field goals.