Steelers vs. Seahawks: A high-stakes New Year's Eve showdown

Can the Steelers pull off a second straight win on the road?

The energy and intensity on Sunday are set to make it must-watch TV, resembling a playoff atmosphere. The notorious and loud "12s" at Lumen Field are expected to be even more deafening. In such an environment, securing a win becomes a formidable task.

The Steelers must adopt the mindset of starting fast to mitigate the impact of the crowd noise. As emphasized earlier, communication is pivotal in navigating this challenging atmosphere. Regarding the choice of starting quarterback, it makes sense to lean toward the one with proven success on the road.

Playing away from home, especially in places like Seattle, poses unique challenges, and experience in such situations becomes valuable. The decision on the starting quarterback will be intriguing, but selecting the one with a track record of success in tough road environments could be the best move.

These considerations set the stage for what to watch before the game, with the hope that a Steelers victory will improve their playoff chances heading into Week 18. Will they emerge victorious or will this be the dagger to their 2023 season?