Cardinals (2-10) at Steelers (7-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Stadium, Pittsburgha
TV:
Spread (BetMGM):
Steelers by 5.5
Cardinals’ keys to victory: The Cardinals have to protect QB Kyler Murray and give him opportunities to attack an inconsistent and banged-up secondary. Creating those opportunities means slowing down LB T.J. Watt and DT Cameron Heyward, who make life tough on opposing offensive lines. Defensively, Arizona only has one week of film of the new Steelers offense under interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner. But the key will be slowing down Pittsburgh’s power run game, which is led by RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Harris especially pounded the Bengals in Week 12.
Steelers’ keys to victory: The Steelers have to take their newfound offense and turn it into points instead of just yards. QB Kenny Pickett and TE Pat Freiermuth hooked up nine times for 120 yards in last weekend’s Week 12 win over the Bengals in Cincinnati, and that connection will need to continue against the Cardinals. Defensively, the Steelers need to continue to shut down the opposing run game, which is led by former Steelers RB James Conner, and then go after the quarterback.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals OT Paris Johnson Jr. vs. Steelers’ Watt. The rookie Johnson has allowed four sacks and gotten flagged nine times. He lines up opposite one of the NFL’s best.
Who wins? The Steelers offense has found new life in just three days. At home against Arizona, the Steelers can find a new way to turn this new efficient, balanced offense into points. The Cardinals are a team in disarray.
Steelers, 28-17