Steelers (8-7) at Seahawks (8-7)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Lumen Field, Seattle
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM): Seahawks by 3.5
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh needs more of what it got last week from QB Mason Rudolph, who had the first strong game at quarterback for the Steelers in Week 16. The team’s 34-point outburst against Cincinnati was the first time it scored 30 or more points this season. Rudolph posted 290 passing yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Steelers relied on a ferocious pass rush led by OLB T.J. Watt.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Seattle is deep at cornerback and it will need to prove it against Pittsburgh WR George Pickens, who posted 195 yards and two touchdowns on only four receptions in Week 16. Standout rookie CB Devon Witherspoon has been injured lately, so it may fall to CBs Riq Woolen, Tre Brown, Mike Jackson and Artie Burns to stop him. Offensively, the Seahawks have not had a consistent run game all season. It would help a great deal if starting RB Ken Walker gave a rare assist to QB Geno Smith.
Matchup to watch: Steelers’ Watt vs. Seahawks RT Abraham Lucas. Watt is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, if not the best. Containing him will require a team effort, but most of the burden will fall on Lucas, a rising star who is also their best run blocker.
Who wins? Seattle has been undisciplined when it comes to penalties and tackling. Its playcalling on both sides of the ball also has been questionable, especially on third down. The flaws won’t cost the Seahawks every game, but they will against opponents who are well-coached.
Steelers, 23-20
Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire