The NFL schedule appeared to feature two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks going head to head with the Seattle Seahawks (2-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3) for a prime time game in Week 6. However, Russell Wilson was injured last week, so now it will be veteran journeyman Geno Smith going against Ben Roethlisberger as both teams look to get back to .500. The Sunday Night game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on NBC.
These teams don’t meet often though they famously dueled in Super Bowl XL, won by Roethlisberger and the Steelers 21-10 in 2006. Seattle won the two most recent meetings in Pittsburgh in 2019 and at home in 2015. The Steelers trail the all-time series 10-9, and they last won in 2011, at home 24-0.
Geno Smith’s Turn at Quarterback
Wilson, a perennial MVP candidate, was injured in last Thursday’s game against the LA Rams, and he had surgery to put screws in his throwing hand. With Wilson at full strength this season, the Seattle offense scored at least 28 points in three of the first four games with at least 380 yards of total offense.
Smith finished the game against the Rams, going 10-for-17 for 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He last started a game in 2017 while playing for the NY Giants, and he has started just two games since 2014. Smith has been in the Seattle system for three seasons and had extra time to practice with the first team since Seattle played on Thursday last week.
Unfortunately for Smith and the Seahawks, starting running back Chris Carson is also hurt. Alex Collins filled in against the Rams and ran for 47 yards on 15 carries. Smith had 23 rushing yards, while Deejay Dallas had four carries for seven yards.
Smith has weapons if he has time to get them the ball against the Steelers pass rush. Tyler Lockett has 25 catches for 390 yards and three scores on the season, while DK Metcalf has 25 catches for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Smith threw a touchdown pass to Metcalf against the Rams.
Seattle’s defense has really struggled this season, allowing at least 450 total yards in four straight games. The passing game has really hurt the Seahawks with four straight games of at least 310 yards allowed through the air.
Steelers Offense Picking Up Steam
The Steelers’ offense struggled at the start of the season but finally put more than 23 points on the board last week in a 27-19 win over Denver. They will be challenged this week without wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster who was placed on IR this week with a shoulder injury.
Rothlisberger had an efficient outing against the Broncos, going 15-of-25 for 253 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has started hot in each of the last two games with touchdown passes on the first drive against Green Bay and Denver. On the season, he has six touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 64 percent of his passes for 1,286 yards.
First-round pick Najee Harris had his best day as a pro last Sunday with 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. For the season, he has 307 yards for a 3.9 average and two touchdowns. His carries have increased each of the last four games, going from 10 to 14 to 15 and then 23.
With Smith-Schuster out, look for Chase Claypool to be Big Ben’s go-to target. Claypool returned to the lineup last week and caught five passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. Diontae Johnson also caught a touchdown to go with 72 yards against Denver.
Betting Analysis
- Seattle Seahawks +5 (-110) Money line +180
- Pittsburgh Steelers -5 (-110). Money line -220
- Total Points 42.5 Over -110, Under -110
Neither defense is as good as what has been expected from these teams over the last few years. Pittsburgh has more playmakers on that side of the ball, though, as TJ Watt has five sacks on the season. Both teams have given up a lot of points and yards on the season, and despite the injuries to stars on both sides, the points should be there in this one.
Betting Pick: Over 42.5 points (-110)
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