As we\u2019ve done in the past, below are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers winning (or losing) today\u2019s game. Three things that need to happen for them to end up on the right side of the score and vice versa in their Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts.<\/p>\n
My Steelers\u2019 prediction is at the bottom.<\/p>\n
The Steelers Will Win If\u2026
\n1. Defense Creates Splash<\/p>\n
Creating turnovers is obvious enough. To upset the Colts, it\u2019s going to be required. And sure won\u2019t be easy. Not just because Pittsburgh\u2019s in the middle of its longest takeaway drought since 2022, 13 straight quarters, but because Indianapolis has just four turnovers all season. Three of which came in the team\u2019s lone loss to the Los Angeles Rams.<\/p>\n
Beating the Colts without a turnover seems impossible. Pittsburgh needs to steal a possession (or two), shorten the field, and gain an edge that way. That\u2019s how must upsets get pulled off and that\u2019s how this one will, too.<\/p>\n
2. Offense Wins A Shootout (And Special Teams Helps Out)<\/p>\n
Even if the defense makes plays, the offense has to drive the bus to victory. Pittsburgh isn\u2019t likely to win this game 14-10. A 38-35 win is the better path to victory. One the Steelers aren\u2019t used to doing but the team has played as many 30\/30 games (in which the Steelers score and allow 30-plus points) this season they had have in the past three seasons combined. Two this year in a win over the New York Jets and loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.<\/p>\n
The offense has to win end-to-end. Big plays, a consistent ground game, taking advantage of the Colts\u2019 weaker cornerbacks even if the group is healthier with Jaylon Jones\u2019 return.<\/a> Match points for points, big plays for big plays. That\u2019s the ticket. A big punt or kick return would sure go a long way to help the cause, too.<\/p>\n 3. Take Away The Pierce Post<\/p>\n Alec Pierce is one of the NFL\u2019s best deep threats. His straight-line speed won\u2019t tell you that but he has a knack for downfield plays. His size, long strides, and tracking all play into his favor. He\u2019s tracking the lead the league in yards per catch in consecutive seasons. If he finishes the year out that way, he\u2019ll be the first NFL player to do so since Flipper Anderson in 1989-1990.<\/p>\n Pierce\u2019s money route are deep posts. Pittsburgh can\u2019t let Pierce get loose for those field-flipping plays.<\/p>\n The Steelers Will Lose If\u2026 And that\u2019s Tyler, not Jaylen. The battle of the offensive Warren\u2019s could go in the Colts\u2019 favor with their rookie tight end. Not only is Pittsburgh abysmal covering tight ends<\/a>, Indianapolis does a great job moving Warren around and making him hard to find. Old-school concepts with him getting vertical from a fullback alignment off play-action. Pittsburgh has their hands full.<\/p>\n If Jaylen Warren and the Steelers\u2019 running game can\u2019t get going, it\u2019ll be a long day for Pittsburgh. And likely a third-straight loss.<\/p>\n 2. Defensive Eyes Get Lazy<\/p>\n
\n1. The Colts\u2019 Warren Is More Impactful<\/p>\n