Panthers (6-2) at Steelers (5-2-1)

Time, TV: 8:20 p.m. ET Thursday, Fox and NFL Network Pregame.com line: Steelers by 4 Panthers’ keys: Carolina must find a way to slow down the Steelers, particularly RB James Conner. The Panthers need to sustain drives and trust in QB Cam Newton and RB Christian McCaffrey to take advantage of an improving but inconsistent Pittsburgh defense. Steelers’ keys: The goal is to keep doing what they have been doing during their four-game winning streak. That means running the ball with Conner and stopping Carolina’s rushing attack. Matchup to watch: Panthers QB Cam Newton vs. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Both elevate the play of their teammates and are incredible on-field leaders. It will come down to which one makes the big plays. Who wins? The Steelers have so much momentum, it is hard to see them losing at home in a nationally televised game. Pittsburgh’s offense is elite, but it is the improvement on defense that will be the difference. Steelers, 35-24

Game preview by Curt Popejoy of The Steelers Wire, a USA TODAY Sports Media Group affiliate