The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing the Las Vegas Raiders SATURDAY night on 12/24. The most important thing going on for this game will be the honoring and remembering of Steelers legend Franco Harris who passed away this week at the age of 72.
The Steelers and Raiders are both 6-8 and need to win out just to have a SHOT at the postseason. While it’s unlikely for each club at this time the playoffs will be a thing of the past to the loser of this game.
With that said, let’s look at our stats for success for the Steelers and Raiders matchup this weekend.
Turnovers – 0
With Quarterback Kenny Pickett back bending center, taking care of the ball is a very achievable goal. Pickett hadn’t thrown an interception in four straight starts before being knocked out in the Ravens game. When Pittsburgh doesn’t turn the ball over they are 6-1 on the season. With one or more turnovers they are 0-7. Safe to say for Steelers and Raiders it will be important to take care of the ball.
Points Allowed -24
Pittsburgh doesn’t have the most high-octane offense. They have scored 24 points or more in just three games this season (and went 2-1 for that matter). Vegas on the other end can put up points in bunches on the right day. In the past four weeks they’ve scored more than 24 points three times – including one 40 point, and one 30 point performance. The Steelers are 6-3 when they keep their opponent under 24 points, and 0-5 when they don’t. Whereas Vegas is 5-1 when they score 24 points or more, and just 1-7 when they do not.
Josh Jacobs – 100 yards rushing
And finally, the engine that drives this Raiders offense – Josh Jacobs. Slowing down Jacobs will be the key to stalling this offense and securing a win. Jacobs has rushed for over 100 yards six times this season and the Raiders have won five of those six games. But when he runs for less than 100 yards they are just 1-7.
The Pittsburgh Steelers got back on track with their run defense last week allowing just 21 rushing yards – after giving up a season high 215 yards the week before against the Ravens. If they can stall the Raiders running game by way of Jacobs they should be able to take control of this game and keep the score down.
Steelers vs Raiders will be pretty straight forward on the field itself. If Pittsburgh can take care of the ball, keep the score low, and slow down Josh Jacobs, they are in a good position to pull out a win.
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