Writers' picks and predictions for a rebound Steelers game in Week 14 vs. Patriots
- Steelers should bounce back after embarrassing Week 13 loss
- Expect a close game that could come down to a field goal
- T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are going to ball out in Week 14
The Still Curtain writer's predictions are in the Steelers favor again
"After an utter embarrassment of a game against the Cardinals, the Steelers will look to right the ship against the New England Patriots. As we found out against the Cardinals, records mean nothing. Without Kenny Pickett, the offense will struggle but the defense will exact vengeance. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the vengeance will be exacted upon them. The defense wins this one with a pick-six to end the game." - Eric C. Hassel (Steelers 17-10)
"The offense doesn't change much from Pickett to Trubisky, especially against a stout Patriots defense. The Steelers' defense will need to come out angry from their performance Sunday against the Cardinals. The offense needs to finish drives when possible and the defense will likely need to give them short fields." - Brandon Kring (Steelers 17-6)
"The Steelers were just humiliated by the pedestrian Cardinals team. Now Pittsburgh will be without their starting quarterback. How much of a difference it will make remains to be seen, as this team could barely muster up points with Kenny Pickett in the lineup. The Steelers are facing a similar team with a stout defense and a sluggish offense. This has the makings of a barn burner. With what's at stake, I'd have to assume that Mike Tomlin's team will emerge victorious, but don't expect some impressive showing on Thursday Night Football." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 13, Patriots 10)
"With both teams not being very good it’s going to be a game where most people will be asleep by halftime. With the Steeler in a must-win mode now I think they pull away late." - Blaze (Steelers 10-7)
"The Steelers can't drop back-to-back games against bad teams, can they? I'm very low on this team, and the Patriots will never roll over as a team, but I can't pick against the Steelers this week. They scrape out a win." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 12-7)
"Last week’s disgusting loss to the Arizona Cardinals hopefully taught this group not to take lowly opponents lightly. Pittsburgh bounces back from a disappointing loss but much of the offense's struggles persist Thursday night against a respectable defensive unit for the Patriots. However, the Steelers defense takes advantage of Bailey Zappe and a terrible Patriots offense." - Dawson King (Steelers 17-9)