Steelers vs Jets picks: Still curtain predictions cautious with QB questions
It might have taken a backseat in Pittsburgh since Russell Wilson was out with a calf injury, but there is a big quarterback controversy within the Steelers organization. Heading into Week 7, it seems like Mike Tomlin is leaning towards starting Wilson, but there could be plenty of opportunities for Justin Fields to get snaps on offense. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers manage that uncertainty.
New York has a terrible record coming into this game, but they are trying to turn things around. They just traded for Davante Adams to try and switch their success on the year. They are more desperate than the black and gold are heading into this game. Aaron Rodgers doesn't look like himself thus far, but many veteran quarterbacks have attacked Pittsburgh's defense with ease.
If the Steelers can somehow solve their quarterback question mark this week, then they could be set up for victory. They will be tested with a battered offensive line going up against one of the top defenses in the NFL.
Predictions could go either way this week, but many would be optimistic to pick Pittsburgh in this one. There are plenty of things leaning in the Jet's direction even though they have a worse record.
Still Curtain Expert panel predictions concerned about QB dilemma
"I'm assuming Russ gets the nod against a Jets team that needs a win. That said Rodgers has been more mistake prone than usual this year and Pittsburgh should exploit that. A new quarterback does just enough to ignite the Steelers to a slim win, coming out on top." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 17-16)
"If Russell Wilson starts this game, my confidence in this offense drastically goes down. I doubt he'll have a short leash either. Even without Robert Saleh directing it, the Jets defense is going to create problems for the Steelers offense that are significantly more difficult to overcome with Wilson over Fields. Another tough Sunday night loss in Pittsburgh." - Jacob Harrison (Jets 17-9)
"Despite coming off their most comfortable win of the season last week against the Raiders, Mike Tomlin seems poised to make a change at QB. Justin Fields has played well after being forced into action thanks to Russell Wilson's calf injury, but Wilson looks primed to make his debut this week. I think the change will ultimately hurt the offense, starting with a disappointing showing this week. Hopefully, Wilson will settle in over time, but don't expect much against the Jets." - Shayne Kubas (Jets 24-14)
"Pittsburgh bounced back for a win to get to 4-2 last week while avoiding Davante Adams but they will now likely face him against the Jets. New York is in dire need of a win and they will prove a tougher test for Pittsburgh than their 2-4 record shows. Pittsburgh's offense will have a rough go against a very good defense no matter who starts at QB. Pittsburgh narrowly escapes at home." - Brandon Kring (Steelers 21-18)
"To the surprise of many, Mike Tomlin is making the switch to Russell Wilson this week after a 32-13 win over the Raiders. Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury since the beginning of training camp and his lack of mobility could make him a sitting duck behind Pittsburgh's shaky offensive line. Meanwhile, the Jets recently added WR Davante Adams to their arsenal and he's sure to play a factor on Sunday Night Football. Wilson's Steelers debut could go south in a hurry." - Tommy Jaggi (Jets 20-16)
"Coming off an impressive win against the Raiders last week, the Steelers will look to build on that momentum. Unfortunately, Aaron Rodgers and the Jets defense will foil our plans. This will be a close game that will be decided on the last drive." - Eric C Hassel (Jets 24-21)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers fight behind a hungry defensive unit to stall out Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Offense remains an issue but the Yinz win." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 24-16)
"Russell Wilson will come out rusty and the offense will just continue to look the same. The Jets offensive weapons will just be too much for the Steelers defense to limit and the offense won’t do its part to play complementary football." - Blaze (Jets 24-17)
Final predictions has Steelers defense struggling at home
Score Prediction: Steelers 21, Jets 29
Expect Wilson to jump onto the field and provide some sense of stability on offense. He will do his best to protect the football, so don't expect the Steelers offense to be exciting. Wilson also holds onto the ball for a long period, which leads to sacks. Expect plenty of drives for Pittsburgh's offense to stall either from penalties or sacks that were given up by Wilson.
Not having Zach Frazier available for this game will be a bigger problem than many are highlighting. He started to help call protections, and Ryan McCollum was a third guy on the depth chart for a reason. He could be destroyed for most of the game against some quality defensive lineman the Jets employ. The Steeler's run game will likely be slowed down because of this problem too.
When it comes to the defense for the black and gold, they will have their hands full. New York has plenty of quality options in the passing game. Rodgers is a smart quarterback who can find openings on any defense during each play. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are going to have to force pressure that leads to turnovers if they want their team to have a shot at winning this contest.
Rodgers might not look the same, but the Jets have too many weapons for the Steelers to defend on each down. Pittsburgh's offense won't be able to do enough to bail out their defense. It could be somewhat similar to what happened when the Steelers played the Colts a couple of weeks ago. This is the perfect opportunity for Pittsburgh's defense to make a statement, but they will likely produce a dud.