This in-state showdown is one of the four key games with huge playoff implications on Sunday afternoon. The Pittsburgh Steelers will make a trip across the state of Pennsylvania to meet up with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. With both teams in the double digits for wins, they are key players in the AFC and NFC playoff races respectively. Let’s take a look at this Steelers-Eagles preview and predictions.
The Steelers have been one of the more surprising teams in the NFL this season. At 10-3, they lead the AFC North and currently hold the third seed in the AFC playoffs. They are the winners of two games in a row and seven of their last eight games. George Pickens is the Steelers’ biggest worry this week. The star wide receiver has been battling a hamstring injury. He didn’t practice once again on Thursday and is unlikely to play Sunday.
Philadelphia leads the NFC East and has already clinched a playoff berth. At 11-2, they are just one game behind the Detroit Lions for the number one seed in the conference. The Eagles injury report is very light this week. They are missing a few players who are on the IR. But everyone on the active 53-man roster practiced on Thursday.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictions Video
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictions
Pat Freiermuth Over 35.5 Receiving Yards (-121)
Pat Freiermuth and Russell Wilson weren’t on the same page when Wilson first took over as the Steelers starter at quarterback. The duo has since figured things out and made quite the connection. With no Pickens last week the duo hooked up three times for 48 yards against Cleveland, the third game in a row Pat went over 48 yards.
Pickens likely won’t play again this weekend and Wilson is going to need to get the ball to Freiermuth against the Eagles. Mark Andrews and Zach Ertz are the two most recent examples of strong starting tight ends taking care of business against the Eagles.
Steelers +5.5 (-108)
These have been two teams I’ve loved betting on this season and for good reason. The Steelers are 10-3 against the spread this year tied with the Broncos for the best in the league. Philadelphia isn’t far behind at 8-5, which is good for eighth-best in the league.
Either team could win this game, so getting 5.5 points on one side is an immediate plus for me. Both teams have a lot of pressure to win, and this should be a slugfest down to the end. The Steelers haven’t let me down much this season, and I’m rolling with them to at least keep it close and cover this week.
