Not much will be going in the Steelers' favor as they hit the road in Week 15. Most experts have the Eagles winning this game, and some believe it won't be close. It is hard to imagine Pittsburgh pulling off an upset, but it isn't completely out of the realm of possibility. Keeping this game tight will be its challenge, but finding a way to win in Philadelphia for the first time in 59 years seems impossible.
Philadelphia has not had great numbers in recent weeks when it comes to their passing attack. Jalen Hurts hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in four weeks. There is a clear path to victory for the away club in this battle, but it won't be a cakewalk. They will need to play ugly if they want a shot at winning this matchup. The Eagles have some similarities to the Ravens, which Mike Tomlin's team has beaten before.
If the Steelers' defense can somehow shut down the Eagles' potent run game and keep Hurts from escaping the pocket, then they'll have a shot at winning. It should create an already frustrated Eagles offense even more tempered. Winning this game isn't a must for the Steelers, but they could show the NFL world that they are Super Bowl contenders with a victory in this cross-state clash.
Still Curtain Expert panel predictions provide zero chance for Steelers
"Pittsburgh is back on track with two straight wins after the loss in Cleveland but they face a tough NFC opponent on the road in Philadelphia. The Eagles have a potent rushing offense with Barkley and their defense has been among the best in the league this year. The Steelers have to play sound football on both sides to have a chance and, unfortunately, mental mistakes will lead to a close loss in Philly." - Brandon Kring (Eagles 21-17)
"On the heels of a statement win against the Browns, the Steelers will look to keep the winning train on the track against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately for us, the Eagles running game proves to be too formidable." - Eric C Hassel (Eagles 24-17)
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"The Steelers are playing an impressive style of football right now, but the Eagles are no slouch despite the questions surrounding them. Ultimately, I will side with history here, as Pittsburgh has historically struggled in Philly. Add in the tough stretch they have been on as well as the upcoming gauntlet and I can't see a win this week. Pittsburgh is humbled." - Andrew Falce (Eagles 33-20)
"The Steelers earned a comfortable win over the Browns in Week 14, but things aren't looking encouraging for Sunday. George Pickens' hamstring injury will leave the offense shorthanded, while Pittsburgh hasn't won a game in Philadelphia since 1965. This is a great NFC opponent that could kick the Steelers in the teeth if they don't bring their A-game. I've gone on record saying this is the hardest game on their schedule, and that hasn't changed." - Tommy Jaggi (Eagles 26-18)
Final prediction has Steelers failing to keep up with Eagles powerhouse
Score Prediction: Steelers 16, Eagles 23
A lot of things will have to go right even for Pittsburgh to be in this battle. They are going up against the top defense in the NFL. You can hope for an off day from the Eagles all you want, but that is unlikely to happen. Some might say the Steelers are "due" to win a game in Philadelphia, but they have been saying that for the past 59 years. Just because someone thinks they're "due" doesn't mean it'll happen.
Hurts hasn't been great in recent weeks, but he should be able to attack a Steelers secondary effectively. They are a group who will give up plenty of yards. Expect Pittsburgh's defense to sell out to stop the run and keep Hurts contained. It has been effective against Baltimore, so the logic behind that game plan is sound. It might not be enough with the number of playmakers Philly has.
Unless Russell Wilson and their offense shocks everyone with their most complete game of the year, it will be an outing of struggles. They didn't have a great game against Cleveland last week, despite applying 27 points on the scoreboard. They didn't move the ball effectively up and down the field for most of the matchup. They will face a top defense, so it's hard to imagine they'll fare better this time.
Expect Saquon Barkley to have a smaller impact on this game than he is used to. Pittsburgh will try to keep this one close by forcing Hurts to beat them with his arm. The Steeler's best shot at winning is getting a couple of game-changing turnovers and for the Eagles to mess up. Right now, Philadelphia is on a roll and seems to be in position to potentially serve as the NFC representative in the Super Bowl.