Steelers (6-5-1) at Vikings (5-7)

Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis TV: Fox/NFL Network

Tipico Sportsbook line: Vikings by 3⁄21

Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh allowed 41 points in both Weeks 11 and 12, but that all changed in Week 13. The Steelers got OLB T.J. Watt back against the Ravens and it showed in the team’s pass rush. Pittsburgh sacked Ravens QB Lamar Jackson seven times to hold Baltimore to just 19 points. Pittsburgh has to bring the pressure versus Minnesota again. If it is successful, Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins will struggle to find his targets.

Vikings’ keys to victory: Minnesota is expected to have RB Dalvin Cook out again, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Vikings need RB Alexander Mattison to step up in that case. He did so in Week 13 with 90 yards rushing and a touchdown, plus 34 receiving yards. The team needs to utilize Cousins in play-action bootlegs, while running the ball and punishing an up-and-down Steelers defense. If the Vikings’ pass defense can hold tight in coverage, Minnesota could be looking at a tough win in Week 14.

Matchup to watch: Vikings RT Brian O’Neill vs. Steelers’ Watt: O’Neill, the Vikings’ best offensive lineman, gets a big test in Week 14. If Minnesota wants to pull off the victory, the Vikings need Cousins to have time in the pocket. It starts with stopping Watt off the edge.

Who wins? The Vikings and Steelers both need this win to keep postseason hopes alive. Pittsburgh looks to have the ability to pull it off by shutting down the Minnesota offense. The Steelers gain momentum, while the Vikings fall further out of contention.

Steelers, 17- 10