NFL Game Picks Week 9: Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers
By Erik Lambert
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) runs off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
There was a time when a meeting between these two storied franchise often meant the fate of Super Bowls. They were physical, nasty, ugly affairs that features some of the best talent in NFL history. For the first time in over a decade, a glimmer of that old flame is returning for the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers. What do the NFL game picks say about their fate in week 9?
Backdrop:
Don’t be fooled by the recent history. This game matters a lot, not only to the two teams involved but also the overall landscape of the AFC. The Raiders, red hot thanks to their dynamic young offense led by Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, are 4-3 and have a chance at securing a wild card playoff spot. It would mark the first time this team has reached January in 13 years.
Meanwhile the Steelers, all but out of the running for the division title with Cincinnati being 8-0 and also having lost Le’Veon Bell for the season, know that this game could likely decide their own playoff fate with the winner owning the tiebreaker in any wild card race.
Matchup To Watch:
DeAngelo Williams vs. Dan Williams
Running the football well is a big reason why the Steelers have success offensively, opening up huge opportunities in the passing game for Ben Roethlisberger. With Bell out, that responsibility falls to backup DeAngelo Williams. He has played well in his limited opportunities this season, but it will be a challenge against Oakland.
Aided by big nose tackle Dan Williams, the Raiders run defense has emerged as one of the best in the NFL. They’re allowing just 82.9 yards per game, good for second overall. Will Pittsburgh be able to generate anything on the ground? If they want to keep Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith at bay, they must try.
Key Stat:
While they are good against the run, Oakland has only managed to survive against the pass. They’re allowed a robust 302 yards per game through the air. One can bet Pittsburgh knows that well, and plan to exploit it with Roethlisberger and his array of dangerous pass targets like Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton. Provided he gets decent protection, and being at home, it could be a big day for Big Ben.
Prediction: Steelers win 35-31
The Raiders have taken the next step towards being a really good team by crushing opponents at home, but asking this young group to go across the country into a cold, hostile environment against a Steelers team that is equipped to attack their biggest weakness is a bit much. In a back-and-forth shootout affair, it will be Roethlisberger who stands atop the hill.