Panthers (6-2) at Steelers (5-2-1)
T at Cleveland 21-21 (OT) L ...... KansasCity ...... 42-37 W ... at Tampa Bay ... 30-27 L ....... Baltimore ....... 26-14 W ......... Atlanta ......... 41-17 W .... at Cincinnati .... 28-21 Oct. 21 ............. Bye ............. W ...... Cleveland ...... 33-18 W ..... at Baltimore ..... 23-16 Nov. 8 ..... Carolina ..... 8:20 Nov. 18 ...... at Jax ...... 8:20 Nov. 25 ... at Denver ... 4:25 Dec.2 ...L.A.Chargers ...1 Dec. 9 ... at Oakland ... 8:20 Dec. 16 New England 4:25 Dec. 23 at New Orlns 4:25 Dec. 30 ...... Cincinnati ...... 1
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
TV: Fox, NFL Network
Danny Sheridan’s line: by 5
Panthers’ keys to victory: The Panthers must find a way to slow down the Steelers. RB James Conner has been the best running back in the AFC over the last month and has become the focus of the Steelers offense. The Panthers need to sustain drives and trust in QB Cam Newton and RB Christian McCaffrey to take advantage of an improving but inconsistent Steelers defense.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh is hitting its stride at exactly the right time. The Steelers’ goal against the Panthers is to keep doing what they have been doing during their four-game winning streak. That means running the ball with RB James Conner and stopping opponents’ rushing attacks. The Panthers have multiple weapons who can beat you on the ground, so the Steelers might have their toughest defensive test to date, especially on a short week of practice.
Matchup to watch: Panthers QB Cam Newton vs. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Even though this game will showcase two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, they still don’t get the attention they deserve. Both players elevate the play of their teammates and are incredible on-field leaders. Under the bright lights of prime-time football, both will shine and 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 night game. Pittsburgh’s offense is elite, but it is the improvement on defense that will make the difference.
Steelers, 35-24 Steelers