In a matchup between two teams trending in opposite directions as the 2020 season winds down, the red-hot Indianapolis Colts (10-4) travel to Pittsburgh to battle the suddenly slumping Steelers (11-3).
Winners of their past three games, the Colts narrowly defeated the Houston Texans a week ago after star linebacker Darius Leonard stripped receiver Keke Coutee to snuff out Houston’s potential game-tying drive late in the game.
Suddenly on a three-game losing streak after beginning the season 11-0, the Steelers offense has struggled mightily over the past few weeks, with the team failing to reach the 20-point mark since Week 11. Losing at the hands of their divisional rival Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football last week, Pittsburgh achieved one their lowest single-game passing yard totals of the season as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for just 170 yards.
It is the 32nd meeting all-time between these two AFC rivals, with the Steelers leading the series 25-6.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have been on fire over the last month of the season, having won three of their last four games. They remain in the hunt with division rival Tennessee for the AFC South crown. Led by one of the league’s best defenses, Indianapolis has a plus-12 turnover margin through 15 weeks, putting them in a tie atop the NFL. Additionally, Matt Eberflus’s unit is also fifth in the league in rushing yards against with just 98.1 yards allowed per game on the ground. Heading into a matchup with a slumping Steelers offense, look for Indianapolis to have an advantage along the defensive line against a Pittsburgh team that has struggled to run the ball all season long.
Enjoying a resurgence this season after a disappointing 2019 campaign, Philip Rivers and the Colts’ offense have enjoyed one of their best stretches of football over the past four weeks. Averaging more than 30 points per game, the group has also topped the 330-yard mark in each contest. They are up against a tough Pittsburgh front seven on Sunday; a key matchup in this one for Indianapolis will be their pass protection. Leading the league in sacks with 47 this season, the Steelers have 31 quarterback takedowns at home behind perennial defensive player of the year candidate T.J. Watt. Indianapolis will be down three starting offensive lineman after offensive tackles Braden Smith and Anthony Castonzo were downgraded to out. Center Joey Hunt will also not suit up in this one after being placed on the Covid-19 list.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Now in a battle with the Cleveland Browns for the AFC North title following three straight losses, the Steelers turned in one of their most uninspiring performances of the year a week ago against Cincinnati. Finishing the game with just 244 yards of total offense, the team went a miserable 4-for-16 on third downs, leading them to be upset by the Bengals. Needing a win to get back on track on Sunday, Pittsburgh received positive news on the injury front this week as starting running back James Conner was upgraded to probable for the game. Requiring a balanced attack on offense against a stingy Colts defense if they hope to be victorious on Sunday, the team could use a strong performance from their franchise back after eclipsing 100 yards on the ground just once in their last nine games.
One of the best units in the league at forcing turnovers early on in the season, the Steelers have struggled to create big plays on defense over the past few weeks. With the ongoing saga of injuries at the linebacker position to Bud Dupree, Robert Spillane, and Devin Bush, Mike Tomlin’s group has forced only three takeaways during their three-game losing skid. Needing to generate a pass rush and collapse the pocket to knock Rivers off his spot throughout the game, the team will get a boost along the defensive line as Stephon Tuitt returned to practice for the team on Friday and is expected to suit up in this one.
Game Info
Date: December 27, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 P.M. EST
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stadium: Heinz Field
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: IND PK (-110) | PITT PK (-110)
Moneyline: IND -103 | PITT -110
Over/Under: O 43 (-110) | U 43 (-110)
Looking directly at the pick’em on the point spread, take the Colts to cover and at a price of -103 on the money line. Struggling mightily on the offensive side of the ball over the last month, Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ offense will be in a tough one again against one of the league’s better defensive units. With a low game total set at 43, take the over in this one as the Colts offense has rolled over the past few weeks. The Steelers should also supply enough points to push the total over the number.
Prediction
One of the biggest matchups of the Sunday slate of games in Week 16, the Steelers head into this one desperate for a victory. Struggling to move the football on offense, expect the team to show better after a disappointing loss to the Bengals on Monday. However, with the Colts not committing a turnover over their last three contests and with a playoff spot on the line for Frank Reich‘s group with a victory, look for Indianapolis to win a close game in this one.
Final Score: Indianapolis Colts 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 20
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