Steelers- Giants a classic offense- defense clash
After Antonio Brown received yet another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Thanksgiving dismantling of the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said the wide receiver needed to rein in his touchdown celebrations.
Yet for Pittsburgh, reveling in the reason for those celebrations is a welcome development after a four- game losing streak threatened the season.
The Steelers stand at 6- 5, putting them a game back for the AFC North lead as well as the final wild- card berth. But the franchise had the same mark last season before reeling off four wins in five games to seal a spot in the playoffs.
To begin a similar push on Sunday, the Steelers likely will lean on Roethlisberger again to push the offense past the New York Giants.
An offseason overhaul has yielded immediate results for New York, which is tied for sixth in scoring defense ( 19.4 points per game) after ranking 30th in 2016. But the Giants have feasted on sub- par offenses during their six- game winning streak.
One of the key battles could be up front, as the Steelers have allowed just 14 sacks this season. Defensive end Jason Pierre- Paul has revitalized New York’s pass rush with 51⁄ sacks in his past two 2 games, and his showdown with right tackle Marcus Gilbert could set the tone for the day.
The task of containing Brown likely falls on cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Giants defensive tackles Damon Harrison and Johnathan Hankins have helped form the league’s fifth- ranked run defense, but running back Le’Veon Bell remains a substantial threat in the passing game.
Four other matchups that will define Week 13: Falcons RT Ryan Schraeder vs. Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali
Kansas City’s best option for shortcircuiting the league’s highest- scoring offense likely runs through its pass rush.
Schraeder has held strong this season against some of the league’s best threats off the edge. Establishing offensive balance with running back Devonta Freeman will be paramount in keeping Kansas City from unleashing its rushers in full force. Ravens’ run defense vs. Dolphins
RB Jay Ajayi
Even with Ajayi’s production slowing in recent weeks, Miami has strung together a six- game winning streak. Baltimore ranks first against the rush, but the defense could be in for a long day if it has any lapses.
Ajayi gained just 45 yards on 18 carries last week against the San Francisco 49ers, but the second- year back remains an offensive focal point with at least 19 touches in each of his previous six games.
Baltimore hasn’t allowed a 100- yard rusher this season, and slipping against Ajayi could cost it the lead in the AFC North.
Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham vs. Panthers defense
The Seahawks rank 25th with a 35% conversion rate. With Russell Wilson likely to remain under constant pressure, Graham might need to provide a spark on jump balls and with yards after the catch.
Linebacker Luke Kuechly and safety Kurt Coleman are both sidelined with concussions, leaving the Panthers even more vulnerable against Graham. LeSean McCoy vs. Raiders’ front seven
With the No. 1 seed in the AFC within reach, Sunday could serve as a litmus test for Oakland’s playoff readiness. McCoy and the Bills’ second- ranked rushing attack are an imposing matchup for a defense that has given up the most yards per carry ( 4.62) in the AFC.
McCoy last weekend broke a 75- yard touchdown run and added another score on a 25- yard reception. Oakland’s defense yielded three rushing touchdowns last weekend, and its best bet for stopping McCoy might be to force Buffalo into obvious passing situations. Tyrod Taylor has been sacked 30 times this season, and Khalil Mack tallied four sacks and two forced fumbles in his last three games.