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BTSC staff picks for Week 8
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get to 6-2 before they head into their bye week and gear up for a second half of the season that will feature six division games and a date with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions on Christmas day. Will they be able to take care of business against the New York Giants? Here’s what our staff has to say:
“The Steelers will cool off a bit from last week but still hang on to beat the Giants. Dexter Lawrence will be a problem, but T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh defense will dominate against Daniel Jones and a beat up New York offensive line. Steelers 23, Giants 13.”- Ryland Bickley
“Although this score represents a close game, ultimately I don’t think Steelers fans will have much of a sweat. Pittsburgh will control the tempo on the ground against a really poor run defense, and Russell Wilson will play turnover free football. I can’t say the same about Giants QB Daniel Jones, who will frequently try and do too much. This will lead to an interception by DeShon Elliott and a fumble lost on a strip sack by Alex Highsmith. The Steelers will be leading 23-10 late in the game, and the Giants will score a garbage touchdown to cover the 6.5 point spread. Vegas can be a real nuisance. Steelers 23, Giants 17.”- Mike Nicastro
“Much like Ryland, I expect a come down for the Steeler offense. With Dexter Lawrence’s ability to derail an offense, I expect quick throws and moving pockets with Russell Wilson and not as many deep shots to loosen things up. The Steeler defense should continue to own games and should give the offense some short fields to work with to make up for the overall offensive struggles. Steelers 27 Giants 13.”- Tom Fox
“Russell Wilson will grow from last week’s performance, especially when it comes to spreading the ball around. Teryl Austin and the defense will continue to earn their flowers with their fourth second half shutout of the season. Steelers 20, Giants 10.”- Kyle Chrise
“I don’t expect another near 40-point explosion, but I do expect the Steelers to beat a bad team with few difference-makers on either side of the ball. The Steelers can make plays against the Giants defensive backs in the pass game. Dexter Lawrence is great, but his greatness hasn’t won the Giants games. Combined with the fact that Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback, this is a game Pittsburgh should win handedly. Steelers 24, Giants 10.”- Jarrett Bailey
“I’m all about the firepower that Russell Wilson can bring as a passer on offense, but I think the Giants’ defensive line is one that’s generally underrated and could cause trouble if they know where to attack (cc: Broderick Jones). With Malik Nabers as the focal point of the offense, they may be able to move the ball, but I project this is where the likes of Donte Jackson and De’Shon Elliott can make their underrated presence felt in the turnover department. Steelers 17, Giants 10.”- Kate Magdziuk