NFL Week 9 Predictions: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

Courtesy of CBS Sports

It’s been a tough year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After last week’s loss to the Oakland Raiders, the Steelers will look to bounce back against the New England Patriots.

Courtesy of ESPN

The Steelers looked pitiful on both sides of the ball against the Raiders. On the first play of the game, they allowed Terrelle Pryor to run for a 93 yard touchdown, which broke an NFL record for longest touchdown run by a quarterback. It also didn’t look good on the offensive side as Ben Roethlisberger threw two interceptions, one of off a tip by Antonio Brown. It wasn’t a good day for Shaun Suisham either, missing two field goals that would’ve won them the game.

The Steelers always seem to struggle in Oakland, however it should’ve been one of their easier opponents this year. Without All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey, and newly acquired left tackle Levi Brown, the Steelers’ offensive line is a mess. Running the ball has been a problem this year as well. The Steelers rank 30th in rushing yards per game (68.7) and also rank 23rd in total offense (322.1). The Steelers need to establish a run game if they want to have a chance at making the playoffs.

Courtesy of ESPN

The New England Patriots won last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins, 27-17. The Dolphins absolutely dominated the Patriots the first half, jumping to a 17-3 lead going into halftime. However, the Patriots scored 27 unanswered and sacked Ryan Tannehill six times in the second half to win the game. Tom Brady threw for 116 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Not exactly a Tom Brady type game we usually see.

Without Wes Welker, Brady doesn’t seem to trust any of his new receivers. With the likes of rookies Kenbrell Thompkins, Aaron Dobson, and Josh Boyce, it’s easy to see why. Rob Gronkowski was back in the lineup, but only caught two passes for 27 yards. The bulk of the Patriots yards came on the ground as they rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns. With a struggling Steelers run defense up next, expect the Patriots to run a lot more.

Notable injuries

Steelers

LB: Lawrence Timmoms (hand) – probable

DE: Brett Keisel (ribs) – probable

LB: Jarvis Jones (concussion) – probable

LB: LaMarr Woodley (knee) – probable

Patriots

WR: Danny Amendola (concussion, groin )- questionable

RT: Sebastian Vollmer (broken leg) – out for season

CB: Aqib Talib (hip) – questionable

Predictions

Courtesy of Boston.com

The Steelers looked like they have turned the corner after two consecutive wins, but the woes continue after a nasty loss to the Raiders. The Steelers are in dead last of the AFC North (2-5) and rank 30th in overall rushing.

I cannot see the Steelers winning this game, even with an injury-plagued Patriot defensive line. Tom Brady will throw for at least 250 yards and will throw three touchdowns. Le’Veon Bell will have another tough day of running the ball and the Steelers offense will struggle yet again.

Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski, will catch seven balls for 100 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots will dominate the whole game and win with a final score of 28-10.