Residents in other regions of Football America assume a natural rivalry exists because Pennsylvania has NFL teams at both ends of its rectangle borders. However, division ties and the proximity to other pro football communities are more important than the intensity of the Steelers vs. Eagles game and the five-hour journey on the Pennsylvania turnpike between them, as anyone who has lived in the state knows.
A history of
almosts
As it did in 2004, when rookie Ben Roethlisberger and the 15-1 Steelers narrowly lost to the Patriots, denying us all a mustachioed duel of Lombardi-less coaches Cowher & Reid, a Keystone State Super Bowl would make for an exciting two-week story.
When Kurt Warner and Arizona defeated Philadelphia in the NFC championship game in 2008, a Steelers Super Bowl was also conceivable but not for the Cards. Given that it resulted in a Super Bowl championship and two of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history—James Harrison’s pick-six and Santonio Holme’s game-winning catch—it’s difficult to picture any Steelers fan being overly depressed about that outcome.
However, that is now in the past, and an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl may be imminent for the first time in a long time. With Pittsburgh earning its first Lombardi Trophy in Tulane University Stadium back in Super Bowl IX and Philadelphia making its first appearance there in the Super Dome back in Super Bowl XV, neither team is unfamiliar with New Orleans for the biggest event in sports.
Is it likely? Not at all. However, the Eagles have actually gotten closer to the NFC’s top-seeded Lions. Detroit is still the small favorite on that side according to the bookmakers (DET +290; PHI 5/1) but let’s not get ahead of ourselves—these are the Lions we’re talking about! If Philly continues its run all the way to New Orleans, it wouldn’t be shocking.
On the other hand
A Super Bowl run is still unlikely, even if the Steelers have performed admirably since Russell Wilson took over as starter (BUF 5/1, KC +550, and BAL 10/1 are all quite a bid ahead of PIT at 24/1).
Putting aside Mike Tomlin’s well-earned star turn on Hard Knocks, the Steelers still haven’t guaranteed a spot in the tournament and haven’t won a postseason game since 2016. Two weeks after their thrilling Thursday Night Football snow game, Pittsburgh will play Cleveland again this Sunday. After Sunday, the Steelers embark on a three-game, ten-day period that will be the most grueling in their history, beginning with a trip to Philadelphia!
The rematch with Baltimore is scheduled for a few days later, followed by a game versus the Chiefs on Christmas Day. After that, the Steelers play Cincinnati to cap things off. Therefore, it appears that the two Ohio clubs will win at least one more game.
But be careful—over the last ten years, the Steelers have struggled down the stretch after a strong start. Although ten victories are all but guaranteed, Pittsburgh might gain by winning eleven, which would virtually guarantee them a slot ahead of Indianapolis. However, there’s a good likelihood that the two rivals will face off in Round Three in January, even if they manage to stave off the Ravens in the North.
We have a lot of hash to settle before the Eagles vs. Steelers LIX matchup, but it would be amazing.
Browns vs. Steelers
Njoku can hit at least six targets in a game, whether he is playing alongside Jameis Winston or Deshaun Watson. The impending anomaly? He only caught one of the five targets he was given against the Steelers two weeks ago. However, that was during a ridiculous snowstorm. Let’s take a positive view of the melted snow and wager that Njoku will catch some balls on Sunday.
In case you missed it, Najee Harris seemed to be hurt early on in Cincy, which sparked a yinzer conspiracy idea this past week. Following the game, Harris revealed that a banana mixture prepared for Thanksgiving by Pat Freiermuth’s fiancée had momentarily knocked him down.
Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly, however, refuted this on this week’s Shek Show, claiming that Harris is more injured from football than dessert. In any case, it seems like an excellent chance to capitalize on Jaylen Warren’s increased workload.
Over 44.5 rec yards -110 for David Njoku (FanDuel Sportsbook)
J. Warren -115 (DraftKings Sportsbook) Over 56.5 combined rush/rec yards
Steelers against. Browns prediction: 28–20
Panthers vs. Eagles
Bryce Young (FanDuel Sportsbook) Over 250 pass yards +370
Eagles against. Panthers prediction: 28–21
Chargers vs. Chiefs
Quentin Johnston (BetMGM Sportsbook) at any time TD +250
Chiefs against. Chargers forecast: 27–26 The Chiefs
Jets vs. Dolphins
2+ passing touchdowns for Aaron Rodgers (DraftKings Sportsbook) +135
Dolphins against. Jets prediction: 34–31 Dolphins
Falcons vs. Vikings
Over 74.5 rush yards +150 for Bijan Robinson (BetRivers Sportsbook)
Vikings against. Falcons prediction: 23–21
Seahawks vs. Cardinals
According to Caesars Sportsbook, Marvin Harrison Jr. has more than 52.5 receiving yards (-109).
Prediction for Seahawks vs. Cardinals: 22–20
Bears vs. 49ers
George Kittle (bet365 Sportsbook) at any time TD +200
Predictions for the Bears vs. 49ers: 26-21 Niners
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