Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons
The Steelers are coming off an impressive 42-21 defeat of the Bengals on the road, which put them a half-game back of the AFC North lead. The Steelers’ red-hot offense has been reliant on Bell, who has eclipsed 200 yards from scrimmage in each of the past three games, as well as Big Ben, who time and time again this season has been able to churn out big plays in the passing game to both Antonio Brown and rookie Martavis Bryant.
Roethlisberger and Co. will look to further that success against an Atlanta defense which went into Lambeau Field Monday night and allowed Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense to rack up more than 500 yards. However, the Falcons put forth a valiant second-half effort, finishing with 465 yards and outscoring Green Bay 30-12 in the second half of a 43-37 loss. Despite the losing record, Atlanta has played better this second half of the season, having won three of its last five games. They’re a team notorious for playing well on their home field.
Bold prediction:Â At the beginning of the season, we named both Pittsburgh and Atlanta as the two teams most difficult to get a gauge on. Fast forward to Week 15, and that remains true. Given the fact that the Steelers — at times — have looked like one of the best teams in the AFC and perhaps the best of a muddled up North division. With that being said, the way Atlanta has played of late, I can’t help but lean toward the Falcons. Much like a week ago, this game could see upwards of 60 points being scored, and if Julio Jones is healthy, the Steelers’ defense will have no answer.
