December 4, 2025 • 30 mins
Ed Troup and Jacob Recht preview the Week 14 slate featuring Joe Burrow and the Bengals traveling to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills, the Colts take on the Jags and the Bears take on the Packers in two massive division matchups. And Ed and Jacob make their official picks for Steelers/Ravens.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Back here on the Steelers Standard. I am at TRUP.
He is Jacob Brett here on Steelers Nation Radio, part
of the Steelers Audio Network. As we get into our
running gade preview segment where we preview week fourteen in
and around the NFL. One thing I do want to
give a shout out to Jacob is we have three
teams here in the WPIL for high school football in
southwestern Pennsylvania. They are playing for the state championship this weekend.
(00:30):
In one A. The Clarendon Bears will play today at
one o'clock, and this Saturday, Avnworth will play for a
three A state title, and Central Catholic will play on
Saturday at seven o'clock for the six A championship. So
three out of the six classifications Clarendon in one A,
Avonworth and three A, and Central Catholic and six A
(00:50):
we'll play for state football championships here in the next
few days. So good luck to the Bears, the Antelopes,
and the Vikings on their quest for a state title.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Absolutely go whips.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Always good to see a good representation out east. And
also one other note too. This morning Alex high Smith
named the NFL Man of the Year nominee for the
Pittsburgh Steelers. So Alex Highsmith will be representing the Steelers
as their nominee for the NFL Man of the Year.
Of course, Cam Hayward won this what two years.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Ago, Jacob, I think two years ago Cam was I believe,
if not last year because the lot he won, he
wore the patch alongside Russell Wilson.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
That's right, both last years, last year exactly. All right,
Let's get into our renne Gade preview this week where
Jacob and I preview the NFL here in week fourteen
in around the NFL, and at the end we will
give you our pick for this week for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One note on the injury front though, before we jump
into the games. Did not practice yesterday. On Wednesday, Jalen
(01:49):
Ramsey was given a day off the rest linebacker Patrick Queen,
as we said at the top of the show here
today in our first segment, did not practice and is
questionable for this week. Aaron Rodgers was rested yesterday. TJ.
Watt was rested yesterday as well. He is nursing a
toe injury, but that should not be a setback for him.
On Sunday and Titan Our defensive tackle Derek Harmon already
(02:10):
rolled out with that knee injury limited participation yesterday. Dk
Metcalf was given the day off for rest. Ben Scernick
rested his shoulder. Dante Kent We got to mention Dante Kent,
the rookie corner is in the twenty one day return window,
so they have activated him in that coming off the
IR they'll have three weeks to whether to put him
(02:31):
into the lineup. Just another corner defensive back picking add
into the mix. James Pierre limited yesterday as he is
still in the concussion protocol. And offensive lineman Calvin Anderson
was also arrested yesterday in a limited participation. Any thoughts
on the injuries, Derek being the garment one, Yeah, that's
the biggest being out. I think everyone else should be
(02:52):
good to go. Well, Patrick Queen, we got to wait
and see on Patrick train two, though Mike Tomlin felt
pretty optimistic about Patrick Queen in his weekly press conference
the other day. The NFL Week fourteen kicks off tonight
here on Thursday. The Cowboys six five and one, visit
the Detroit Lions, who are seven and five. The Cowboys
coming off the win against the Chiefs last Thursday on
(03:13):
Thanksgiving Day, the Lions coming off that loss at home
against the Packers, so both teams have not played in
a week. They play back to back Thursday games as
they traditionally do, the Cowboys or the Lions in this
week this year they're playing each other. So Cowboys six
to five and one, Lions seven and five should be
a good one for Thursday Night four.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Yeah, we just talked about it with Tom.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
He thinks that despite the Lions having a good offense,
that Dak Prescott and George Pickens and Ceedee Lamb and
Javonte Williams will be able to outduel I I think
I want to disagree. This game is being played in Detroit.
Like I said with Tom and our conversation with Tom,
I think Detroit uses this as a get right game.
I know that Cowboys Ephens has been playing better. He's
(03:52):
a trade deadline when they acquired Quinn Williams from the Jets.
But I still think that this is a game for
the Lions, like I said, kind of tune up their
offense against an inferior defense. I think the Lions win
this one, but it could be. It could easily be
a shootout because we know how deadly Dak Prescott is
with those receivers and running backs.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Big game for Detroit at home to get a game
for Dallas.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
I mean with Philadelphia on a two game losing streak.
You remember Dallas beat them in that first of the two.
Dallas is in contention to steal the NFC East crown
from them.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
It's a big game for both teams.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
On Sunday at one o'clock, a couple other AFC North
teams doing battle. The first probably one of the best
games of the week. The Bengals, despite the record of
four and eight, we know Joe Burrow is back in
the mix. They upset the Ravens last Thursday. They will
go to Buffalo to play the Bills, who just beat
the Steelers. The Bills eight and four, and from what
we've been talking about here this week critical game for
(04:46):
the Bengals and Joe Burrow because if they win this
one to get the five and eight, all bets are
on for Cincinnati to make a run here in the
AFC North. If they lose this, though, and go to
four and nine, they're really behind the eight ball here
in the final stretch.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Yeah, I mean, Ray fit Apatos City yesterday. Tom Offerman
said it earlier today. If they can get past Buffalo,
all bets are off on the on the Bengals potentially
making it into the playoffs, and Ray said, at best,
nobody wants to see Joe Burrow if he does make
it into the playoffs, because if he does get there,
the most likely means that they win six games in
(05:19):
a row with him at quarterback.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
And once he's in, I mean, it's it's dangerous.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
I mean, remember the only two teams he's ever lost
to the in in the playoffs are the Rams in
the Super Bowl and Patrick Mahomes on the road in
Kansas City in the AC Championship game. Those are his
only two losses in the playoffs. It's incredible what he's
done once he's gotten there. But it's a long road
to there, and it starts here. It started last week,
really really in Baltimore. They got that one done. But
(05:46):
like Ray said, like Tom said, like you said, ed Uh,
it starts again here. It's another tough one against Buffalo,
but if they can get past him, that's it. And
remember I've worn out earlier today against or with Tom
Joe Burrow has never lost an had to head matchup
against Josh Allen.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Well, he's gonna try to change that this week is
Josh Allen on his side. The Bengals, having lost four
straight before beating the Ravens last week. When they get
Joe Burrow back, pretty much save their season. They can
save it another notch if they can go into Buffalo
and win this game at one o'clock on Sunday. Meanwhile,
the Bills three and two in their last five games,
coming off that win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The other
(06:22):
AFC North team in action is the Cleveland Browns. We
know about Steelers Ravens, so Browns will host the Tennessee Titans,
who are one and eleven on the season. The Browns
three and nine. Shoudor Sanders gets another start this week
at home and an opportunity to continue to try to
build on his rookie season. He's now had a couple starts,
has Shador Sanders Titans team that's really bad at one
and eleven.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
There's almost an argument to be made and that the
brown should throw this game because it could be an
easy win for them. Right, it could be a very
easy thing for them to say, Hey, we're just playing Tennessee.
They're really bad, and yeah, our team isn't much better,
but we have a defense that can really smother cam Ward.
But with only five games raining, they're clearly out of it, right.
I Mean, we talked about how only Tennessee and the
(07:03):
Raiders are the only two teams that have been eliminated
from playoff contention so far in the AFC, But the
Browns are right there.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
The Browns lose one more game and that's it. Even
if they win this game.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
They could still be eliminated, just depending on what else
happens around the conference. But because of draft position, like
I said, there's an argument to be made that the
Browns should throw this gamer or not risk winning it,
just to get a better slot in the draft.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Elsewhere in the AFC. On Sunday, the Colts and the
Jaguars should be a good one there. When you look
at the Jaguars, they've now won three straight and four
of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Colts are on
the other side of that. They've lost two straight jacub
and they're one and three in their last four games.
This game is in Jacksonville. This week, as the Jaguars
on the season look to extend it to a four
(07:50):
game winning streak. They are eight and four on the year.
The Colts are eight and four. Right now, the Jags
have leapfrogged the Colts for first place in the AFC South.
Much like the AFC Fourth battle between the Steelers and
Ravens this week, this is a battle for whoever takes
over first place in the AFC South.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I mean this is something that I was talking about
a lot last week, had the Jags won that game,
or predicting the Jacks to win that game in Houston
to upset the Colts, And that's exactly what happened. And
now you have these two teams, the Colts and the Jags,
going up head to head for the AFC South Division title.
And remember two, this is their first of two matchups.
Remember shout out to the NFL scheduling Committee. They have
(08:27):
yet to play each other this season. So even if
the Colts lose this game and fall to one and four,
they will have another shot at taking down the Jags
later on this season. But if you're the Colts, you
can't afford to say, hey, if we lose this one.
We can still get back at them later. You got
to get right. I mean, like you said, they've really struggled.
I think they've gone what one and two in their
(08:48):
last three is at it? They really need to get
back on schedule here. Jonathan Taylor needs to reassert himself
as the best running back in football for the season,
and Daniel Jones needs to stop playing like Daniel Jones
and the Giants that start playing more like Daniel Jones
as a cold to start the season.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Elsewhere around the NFL. In Week fourteen, Jacob and I
breaking it down here on our Renegade preview. We'll go
to some NFC games now as we've hit some of
our AFC games. The Seahawks nine and three on the season.
They visit Atlanta, who's four and eight this upcoming Sunday
at one o'clock. The tell of two teams that are
in different spots of their seasons, that's for sure. Seahawks
one of the top teams in the NFC West, a
(09:27):
very competitive, very good NFC West and the NFC Right
up there as well are the Seahawks. They are six
and one in their last seven games. Jacob. Meanwhile, the
Falcons on the opposite side of that, they're one and
six in their last seven games. Atlanta's really been struggling
and the Seahawks, again, this is one of these games
each week. You and I sit here at the end
of the week and talk about, Hey, this is an
(09:48):
obvious one, right, and then we come back in here
Monday morning and you and I look at each other
and say, Wow, they either gave them a game, it
was close, it was overtime, or they got upset. But
while Seahawks are on a roll, and I'd expect them
to continue to be on a roll.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
In Atlanta, the yeah, I mean, the like we said,
are one of the best teams in football right now.
That division, the NFC West, is one of the best,
if not the best division in football right now. The
Seahawks just need to sack wins when they can. They've
only lost three games on the season. They've beaten every
team that they should have beaten so far. Their only
losses were against San fran Tampa Bay and the Rams,
(10:20):
so that's two division losses and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,
who were a pretty good team at the time. I
know they've stumbled as of recently, but there's still a
top of their own division in the NFC South. But
every other team went faced off against a team that
could be just as good, but or worse they've beaten.
And that's including the Stealers, the Saints, the Cardinals, the Jacks,
(10:41):
the Texans, the Commanders, the Cardinals the second time, the Titans,
and the Vikings. Like I said, they just win when
they need or they win when it's required. And it's
another week here where they should be the easy favorite
and they should have no problem taking care of Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
Next couple games are some dog games, but we got
to get through them. The Commanders three and nine, the
Vikings four and eight. The Commanders have lost seven straight games.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
It's bad.
Speaker 3 (11:05):
I mean a lot of injuries. You know, no Jaden Daniels,
no arm McLaurin for a long time. I know he's
back in the lineup, but still without Jaden Daniels, that's
that's the straw that starves the drink.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
And if he's not out there, it's gonna be a
bad day.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
And on the flip side, the Vikings won in six
in their last seven games, so they have not played
very good football either. Both these teams are desperate, in
need of a win, and they'll have an opportunity to
do that this Sunday at one o'clock. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
I don't even know who the quarterback is right now
for the Vikings. I don't think it's McCarthy. I think
he's hurt again. That would mean it would be Max Brosner,
bros Murr rather.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Who is that?
Speaker 3 (11:45):
Right?
Speaker 2 (11:45):
No idea?
Speaker 3 (11:46):
I mean we know remember Carson Wentz went down on
the IR earlier this year.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Rosmer came in. I believe last week.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
If JJ's unhealthy or not one hundred percent, it could
be Brosmer. Looking at it now, it looks like he's
a rookie from Minnesota. So go big ten, I guess
is all I can say.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
The Jets have won three of their last five games.
How about that break out? The New York Jets, right.
But on the other side, the Steelers opponent next Monday
night after they get through Baltimore will be the Miami Dolphins,
who have won three straight games and they're four and
one in their last five games. As Tom said in
our last segment, Dolphins, all of a sudden, are very
relevant at five and seven on the season and still
(12:28):
alive for a potential playoff spot. The Jets aren't. But
they're three to nine and as I said, playing better
football here the last few weeks. Dolphins at Jets, one
o'clock on Sunday.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
I'll say the same thing about the Dolphins as I
said last week about them when they beat the Saints.
Don't look at this as a the in the week
before that, even too, when they beat the Commanders. Don't
look at this as a potential mini run that they're
about to go on. Yes, I know it started with
this huge upset over Buffalo in Miami, but Washington, as
(12:58):
I mentioned, without at the time tear M and without
Jaden Daniels. Then last week against the Saints, this week
against the Jets. Even if they win this week and
they improved the six and seven, they're one game below
five hundred. Don't think of that as some kind of resurgence.
The only teams they've beaten if they beat the Jets,
there have been two wins against the Jets that would
have swept them. The Falcons you mentioned are a train wreck,
the Commanders who were a train wreck, the Saints who
(13:19):
were a train wreck, and then one upset victory against Buffalos,
the ring. Do not be afraid if you're the Steelers
looking at the Dolphins, who, if they win this week,
would have won five of their last six going into
that game. They have beaten the bottom of the only
the bottom of the barrel besides Buffalo. It is not
an impressive thing that the Dolphins are doing right now.
(13:42):
If anything, it's hurting them because, you know, going into
the season, we thought there was a lot of pressure
on Mike McDaniel. What's he done in his career? Really
nothing with two would tugo Iloa, even though they brought
in Tyreek Hill. They really have struggled in the playoffs,
especially folding at the end of the season. Started off
this year one and seven, and we all thought that
(14:03):
could have been it. Then all of a sudden, they've
won four of their last five. They're most likely going
to win five of their last six with the Jets
coming up this week, but really it could be a
hindrance and then they're playing themselves out of a solid
draft right draft spot they might be this might keep
McDaniel here for another year, which could not be the
right thing for them in the long term.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
So yeah, it's it's a weird season for Miami for sure.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Another division game. A lot of division games this week, Jacob,
we were just talking about Dolphins Jets in the AFC East.
How about the NFC South. The Saints two and ten
visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are seven and five.
Much like the Tennessee Titans. The Saints and Titans are
battling for that number one pick for next year. Saints
two and ten and as we said about the Titans earlier,
one and eleven. So so far the Titans have the
(14:49):
upper hand there. But the Saints are bad again, just
two and ten bad, real bad. The Buccaneers have been
bad as of late, two and four in their last
six games. They stopped the bleeding last week with a
much needed win to get the seven to five on
the season. They're at home against the Saints and again
another game in which we should should expect Tampa Bay
to role in this one.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
Yeah, we should, Like I said, I know, Tampa's kind
of struggled against good teams, but last week they turned
things around in the right direction. They got that win
against Arizona. They should beat the Saints. Remember, they took easy,
They took their business easily. Last time they played them.
That game was in New Orleans and the Superdome. Now
they get them at home in Tampa the rest of
the schedule. As I mentioned after the Bucks had lost
(15:31):
that last game against the Rams, I said, they should
lose or they should win their last six and that's
last week against Arizona. This week against New Orleans, Atlanta,
Carolina twice, and Miami. They should absolutely sweep that six
game stretch, which would have gotten them to twelve and
five on the season and should easily wrap up that division.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Another divisional battles, we moved to the four o'clock games.
On Sunday at four h five, the Broncos ten and
two as they visit the Las Vegas Raiders, who are
two and ten on the season in AFC West battle.
The Broncos have won nine straight games, one of the
hottest teams in football along with the Patriots. In fact,
it's Denver in New England. Just a game separates them
(16:09):
at the top of the AFC. The Raiders have been
awful two to ten, six straight losses for the Raiders. Again,
they're in that conversation that we just talked about with
the Saints and Tennessee. The Raiders are right there with
them too. They're gonna have a top five pick most
likely next year. But one thing I will say, Jacob,
Denver's played a lot of close games.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
This year, including the first time they played against the Raiders.
Remember that Thursday and night game. I think it was
in Denver. They should have rolled and I think the
final score was ten to seven something like that, but
they found.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
Ways to win. So absolutely, and this listen, just like
the AFC North, you can throw the records out the window.
These AFC West battles are usually pretty close games, regardless
of what's going on with either team.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Yeah, I mean, they're the cardiac kids this year, the
Denver Broncos are. They play every team close. However, like
you mentioned that, they still come out on top. This
game is get to be played in Vegas. It's not
the same thing as the Oakland Coliseum. But like we've mentioned,
expecting to be a close game, because that's all Denver
(17:11):
seems to be able to do this year.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
For twenty five, we talked about some really good games
in the one o'clock window. Well here's one in the
four to twenty five window. After you watch the Steelers Ravens,
you can tune into the nine and three Bears versus
the eight, three and one Packers again, another division showdown.
These two teams will play, just like the Steelers and
Ravens twice in the final five weeks. This is the
first meeting of the year. It'll be in Green Bay.
(17:34):
It should be cold, The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field
should be in play. Maybe some snow flurries. I'm not sure,
but this is gonna be a good one as the Bears,
who have won five straight games, look to keep control
not only of the NFC North but the NFC overall.
They're the number one seed right now. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Absolutely, it's a must win for both of these teams. Again,
gonna show the NFL scheduling Committee for having this be
the first sign these two teams go head to head
this year. They still have to play a second time
later on in a couple of weeks, but luckily for
the Packers, they get this one at home. It's sure
to be a great game. I'd be surprised if either
(18:14):
team really blows the other one out. I do think
I'm leading the Packers, though, in this game, only because
it's being played in Lambeau The Bears clearly proved last
week they can go anywhere and beat anyone when they
went into Philadelphia into the Link and be the Eagles
on the road. So they can do that, they should
be able to keep it competitive in Lambeau against the Packers.
(18:36):
But don't be surprised if I really don't know which
way I lean. I think the only reason I'm leading
pack is just because it's in Lambeau. Maybe in a
couple of weeks if the Bears. When the Bears play
that game in Chicago, I'll believing I'll be leading them
the Bears.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Other matchup over in the NFC a little in that
four to twenty five window, maybe not as attractive, if
you will. Of the game we just talked about are
the Rams at nine and three versus the card who
are three and nine. The Cardinals are one and nine
in their last ten games, again in that conversation, as
a top five potential pick next year. Meanwhile, the Rams,
(19:10):
they lose last week, they're upset in Carolina, but they're
six and one in their last seven games. They look
to get back on the winning track playing in Arizona
now again, the Cardinals one and nine in their last
ten Jacob. But they've played some close games this year too,
but they've been on the other side of it, losing
some of those competitive games. Hey, NFC West rivals Rams Cardinals,
another divisional showdown this week. Hopefully for the Cardinal's sake,
(19:33):
they can hang with the Rams. I don't think they will. Rams.
I think get back on the winning track this week
in Arizona.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
Yeah, I mean if the cart i'ms are If the
Rams are just taking care of business last week against
the Panthers, I have nothing to say about this game.
The only reason I give pass to it now is
because of that upset by Carolina. Maybe that gives the
Cardinals a shot, But like you said, they've gone what
one and seven in the last eight or one and
eight in their last nine something like that. It's not
(19:59):
one in nine in their last ten. Yeah, so it's
as bad as you can get for Arizona. They are
clearly the the odd team out in that division. In
the NFC West, everyone else is killing it. But yeah,
the only reason I give pause to this game is
just because Carolina was able to pull off the epset
last week. This game game being played in Arizona or
(20:20):
in La It's in Arizona, So maybe that gives the
Cardinals a shot.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
I don't know. The Sunday night game is another good one.
Texans seven and five as they visit the Kansas City Chiefs,
who are six and six and hanging on for dear life.
The Chiefs need this one at home at Arrowhead, and
they're gonna have a tough competition with the Texans, who
have really come on late. The Texans five and two
in their last seven games, Jacob, they're seven and five
now on the season. The Chiefs, after that loss in
(20:45):
Dallas last Thanksgiving a week ago, are now six and
six on the season. But they're playing for their playoff lives.
They need this one. They drop this one at home
against the Texans, that path to the playoffs is going
to be very very small.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
I mean, it's a must win for both of these teams.
They're both right there. I want to say, let me
look it up real quick. I think the Texans are
on the outside looking in for the playoff race. As
it stands today, they are the eight seeds, so they're
right there. So they're both on the outside looking in.
But that's why it's a must win. But I kind
of think this is going to be the nail on
the coffin for the Chiefs. I believe in the Texans.
(21:19):
They've been red hot as of recently. They have only
lost one. They have only lost one game and their
last six competitions, and they've beaten some good teams on
the way too. They beat San Francisco, they beat the Jags,
they beat the Buffalo Bills, and they beat the Indianapolis Colts.
So they've taken care of some really good offenses with
the really stout defense. I think they can take care
(21:40):
of business again on Sunday night. And like I said,
that could be it for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (21:46):
Yeah, I absolutely must win. Echo exactly what you say
for both. The Texans are in that very competitive all
of a sudden AFC South. We talked about the Colts
and Jaguars big one this week, Titans no way, but
three out of those four teams could potentially make the
play play. But the Texan's got to come up with
this win in Kansas City if they want to be
in that conversation in the AFC South or even the
AFC playoff pitcher. But yeah, Kansas City on life support
(22:09):
this point at six and six on the year, Texans
seven and five Sunday Night Football. The Monday night game
this week a good one as well. The Eagles are
eight and four as they visit the LA Chargers, who
are eight and four on the season as well. The Eagles,
Jacob have lost two straight games. They're four and four
in their last eight. Meanwhile, the Chargers four and one
in their last five. The Chargers get this one in La.
(22:30):
The Eagles got to fly cross country on Monday night,
and they are also in a must win situation, well
not must win situation, but a key win for their
season again, four and four in their last night.
Speaker 3 (22:40):
Yeah, it's it's been a shaky it's been back and
forth for them, but it's been you know, back and
forth for the Eagles as well. I mean, like I
mentioned earlier, they've had two shrieks of the exact same scenario.
They start off four to zero, then lose to in
a row, then they win four more in a row,
then they.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
Lose to in a row. So both of these teams
are playing kind of shaky foot right now.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
But I will say I think the Chargers are the
more are the team that you're more afraid of in
terms of you can't really trust them just because it's
it's the Chargers.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
They always play inconsistent.
Speaker 3 (23:12):
I think that that the Eagles, even though they're on
the road, we know that the LA the Sofi Stadium
is maybe the worst home field advantage in football. I
think the Philly finals will travel for that one. I
think Philly turns it around just because I can't. I
cannot believe in the Chargers. That every time I think
that I'm back in that I believe in them, they
go in and they lose a game that they should have.
Speaker 1 (23:33):
Won by four teams on bye weeks this week the Patriots, Giants,
forty nine, Ers, and Panthers. And I believe this is
the last bye week of the season here in the NFL.
I think everybody will have had their buys by this
point after this week. That brings us to our game.
The Ravens and the Steelers, both teams six and six
on the season. We've been talking about it all week
(23:53):
long here on the Standard. It's a big one in
Baltimore for first place in the AFC North. When I
look at our original picks before the season started, Jacob,
we both had them losing this game in Baltimore. We
had them both splitting with the Ravens losing this one
in Baltimore and then beating them at the end of
the season. But you could throw a wow, you're still
alive because you had them at ten and seven on
the year.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
I am at twelve a year prediction going.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
I had them at twelve and five, so you could
throw that out the window. They've clinched that they're not
going to get the twelve wins with five to go.
At six the best they can do is eleven. But
you're still alive with your ten and seven pick. Who
do you like, Ravens or Steelers this week in Baltimore.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
I have no idea.
Speaker 3 (24:29):
I might just lean Baltimore just because it's being played
in Baltimore. I remember when we had Tom Offerman on
earlier today. These two teams are playing very similar styles
of football right now, kind of inconsistent overall, not complimentary.
Whenever the offense has a good day, the defense doesn't
show up. Whenever the defense has a good day, the
offense doesn't show up. It's hard to believe it either
(24:51):
of these teams right now, but I think I'm gonna
go with Baltimore just because they had home field advantage.
But that's not to say that the Steelers win and
win their game. And if this game is being played
in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (25:01):
This week, score any guesses.
Speaker 3 (25:04):
I think it's gonna be to be a typical ABC
North matchup. I'm gonna go with the Ravens twenty one,
Steelers ten all.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
Right, twenty one to ten. You like the Ravens. I'm
gonna go with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. I think
they bounce back and I think they're well overdue to
get one here after these last shaky few weeks. I'm
gonna go Steelers twenty four, Ravens twenty three on a
game winner by Boz. I think Boz hits a game
winner at the end. They'll be down twenty three to
(25:32):
twenty one. In the final minute, Rogers will get him
in field goal range. In Bozz, not only does he
make a field goal, Jacob I say it's a long
field goal fifty plus to win the game.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
He's hit a lot of long field goals because the
offense can't move the ball down the sel, so it
would be pretty appropriate.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
One more game the preview real quick before we wrap
it up here for today and for this week. You'll
be there in Indianapolis, your your Hoosiers and the Ohio
State Buccaneers.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
Who I don't need to emphasize the too hard, uh
with me in the room, It's okay, No, It's gonna
be a great game. I think both of these teams
are elite. You have two great quarterbacks, Julian Saying for
the Bucks and Fernando Mendoza for the Hoosiers. They're both
gonna be Heisman finalists. They've both played really great football.
(26:20):
But both of these teams are defined I think by
their defenses. It's the it's the top two defenses in
the country this year, great players all around. They both
lead lead the Big Ten with the most players name
to an All Big Ten team, whether it's a first, second, third,
or an honorable mention. I think it's gonna be a
(26:43):
very close game, well fought by both sides. It's a
great head coaching matchup as well. Ryan Day, who just
won the National Championship last year, coach Sgnetti, who's the
first guy in the Big Ten and thirty years to
win Big Ten Coach of the Year and back to
back seasons.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
So there's there's no reason this game to be a
great game.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
They Like I said, these two teams have played the
best football all season long. I want to hear your
arguments about the SEC plays a tougher schedule or Texas
you know, went out on a lamb and scheduled Ohio State. Well,
they shouldn't have lost to Florida, who's only won five
games or four games all year.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
These are by far the two best teams.
Speaker 3 (27:20):
The winner of this game will lock up easily the
number one seed, and I think even if whoever loses
this game should still remain the number two team because
it's the best loss any team will have all the season. Right,
it's the only time we've seen the number one team
go against the number two team this year. It's the
first time we've seen a number one team go against
the number two team in quite some time. I think
(27:41):
the last time in the regular season it happened was
an LSU Alabama game a couple of years ago, if
not a decade plus. So yeah, I don't think the
loser of this game should be punished unless for some
reason it's a blowout. Maybe they move be below Georgia
if Georgia is able to win their SEC championship game.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
Again it's Alabama.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
There's an argument to be made for Texas Tech moving
up if they win their Big Twelve championship.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
I just don't know. I think it's gonna be a.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
Great game, and I think it's what's best served for
both of these teams. I know, Michigan just gave Ohio
State a close game. I know Ohio State kind ran
away with it, but it was the best team Ohio
State that played all season long. That was good for them.
Of course, earlier this year, Indiana went on the road
into Eugene in Oregon to beat the Ducks. That was
(28:32):
their best win by far of the season, one of
the best wins on the season by any team so far.
But really, what with this game will set up for
them is for both of these teams is getting them
ready for the postseason. Besides the Georgia and Alabama matchup,
this is as good as of a matchup as you
can get in football, and like I said, it gets
(28:52):
them into that playoff mentality. There's no more easy opponents
from starting on Saturday from here on out, every team
you play is a is a postseason contender. So I'm
looking forward to that I'm looking forward to playing in
the postseason because I know both Indiana and Ohio State
have their their spots locked up hoping for a win.
Would love to see it. I'm two and zero on
(29:14):
the year, saw one in Penn State, so one in Bloomington,
hopefully seeing my third one on the year in Indy.
If that's the case, it's gonna be tough for me
to not buy a ticket to one of those bowl
games later on in the postseason.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
I'm excited for you, my friend. Good luck, go get
a win for IU. And there's a Pittsburgh connection with
with Signetti the head coach, so we always like to
talk about him on this show.
Speaker 3 (29:36):
Not with him, but his assistance Mike Shanahan and Brian Gaines,
the defensive coordinator and the offensive coordinator have followed him everywhere.
They were both at IEP with him as well. Sarah
can't forget that connection as well.
Speaker 1 (29:49):
Good luck to your Hoosiers this week, and good luck
to the Steelers as they travel to Baltimore. Jacob and
I will be back on the Standard on Monday to
break that down for you. In week fourteen, it is
this Sunday, which you can hear right here on the
Steelers Audio Network, starting at nine o'clock with Tom Offerman
and Matt Williamson, followed by Missy Matthews, Max Starks and
Rob King for the call at one o'clock in Baltimore
(30:10):
Steelers six and six, Ravens six and six. We'll break
it down for you on Monday. It is the Steeler Standard.
I am at TRUP. He's Jacob Breck. Thank you for
listening each and every day right here on Steelers Nation Radio,
part of the Steelers Audio Network.
Back here on the Steelers Standard. I am at TRUP.
He is Jacob Brett here on Steelers Nation Radio, part
of the Steelers Audio Network. As we get into our
running gade preview segment where we preview week fourteen in
and around the NFL. One thing I do want to
give a shout out to Jacob is we have three
teams here in the WPIL for high school football in
southwestern Pennsylvania. They are playing for the state championship this weekend.
(00:30):
In one A. The Clarendon Bears will play today at
one o'clock, and this Saturday, Avnworth will play for a
three A state title, and Central Catholic will play on
Saturday at seven o'clock for the six A championship. So
three out of the six classifications Clarendon in one A,
Avonworth and three A, and Central Catholic and six A
(00:50):
we'll play for state football championships here in the next
few days. So good luck to the Bears, the Antelopes,
and the Vikings on their quest for a state title.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Absolutely go whips.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Always good to see a good representation out east. And
also one other note too. This morning Alex high Smith
named the NFL Man of the Year nominee for the
Pittsburgh Steelers. So Alex Highsmith will be representing the Steelers
as their nominee for the NFL Man of the Year.
Of course, Cam Hayward won this what two years.
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Ago, Jacob, I think two years ago Cam was I believe,
if not last year because the lot he won, he
wore the patch alongside Russell Wilson.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
That's right, both last years, last year exactly. All right,
Let's get into our renne Gade preview this week where
Jacob and I preview the NFL here in week fourteen
in around the NFL, and at the end we will
give you our pick for this week for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
One note on the injury front though, before we jump
into the games. Did not practice yesterday. On Wednesday, Jalen
(01:49):
Ramsey was given a day off the rest linebacker Patrick Queen,
as we said at the top of the show here
today in our first segment, did not practice and is
questionable for this week. Aaron Rodgers was rested yesterday. TJ.
Watt was rested yesterday as well. He is nursing a
toe injury, but that should not be a setback for him.
On Sunday and Titan Our defensive tackle Derek Harmon already
(02:10):
rolled out with that knee injury limited participation yesterday. Dk
Metcalf was given the day off for rest. Ben Scernick
rested his shoulder. Dante Kent We got to mention Dante Kent,
the rookie corner is in the twenty one day return window,
so they have activated him in that coming off the
IR they'll have three weeks to whether to put him
(02:31):
into the lineup. Just another corner defensive back picking add
into the mix. James Pierre limited yesterday as he is
still in the concussion protocol. And offensive lineman Calvin Anderson
was also arrested yesterday in a limited participation. Any thoughts
on the injuries, Derek being the garment one, Yeah, that's
the biggest being out. I think everyone else should be
(02:52):
good to go. Well, Patrick Queen, we got to wait
and see on Patrick train two, though Mike Tomlin felt
pretty optimistic about Patrick Queen in his weekly press conference
the other day. The NFL Week fourteen kicks off tonight
here on Thursday. The Cowboys six five and one, visit
the Detroit Lions, who are seven and five. The Cowboys
coming off the win against the Chiefs last Thursday on
(03:13):
Thanksgiving Day, the Lions coming off that loss at home
against the Packers, so both teams have not played in
a week. They play back to back Thursday games as
they traditionally do, the Cowboys or the Lions in this
week this year they're playing each other. So Cowboys six
to five and one, Lions seven and five should be
a good one for Thursday Night four.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Yeah, we just talked about it with Tom.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
He thinks that despite the Lions having a good offense,
that Dak Prescott and George Pickens and Ceedee Lamb and
Javonte Williams will be able to outduel I I think
I want to disagree. This game is being played in Detroit.
Like I said with Tom and our conversation with Tom,
I think Detroit uses this as a get right game.
I know that Cowboys Ephens has been playing better. He's
(03:52):
a trade deadline when they acquired Quinn Williams from the Jets.
But I still think that this is a game for
the Lions, like I said, kind of tune up their
offense against an inferior defense. I think the Lions win
this one, but it could be. It could easily be
a shootout because we know how deadly Dak Prescott is
with those receivers and running backs.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Big game for Detroit at home to get a game
for Dallas.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
I mean with Philadelphia on a two game losing streak.
You remember Dallas beat them in that first of the two.
Dallas is in contention to steal the NFC East crown
from them.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
It's a big game for both teams.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
On Sunday at one o'clock, a couple other AFC North
teams doing battle. The first probably one of the best
games of the week. The Bengals, despite the record of
four and eight, we know Joe Burrow is back in
the mix. They upset the Ravens last Thursday. They will
go to Buffalo to play the Bills, who just beat
the Steelers. The Bills eight and four, and from what
we've been talking about here this week critical game for
(04:46):
the Bengals and Joe Burrow because if they win this
one to get the five and eight, all bets are
on for Cincinnati to make a run here in the
AFC North. If they lose this, though, and go to
four and nine, they're really behind the eight ball here
in the final stretch.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Yeah, I mean, Ray fit Apatos City yesterday. Tom Offerman
said it earlier today. If they can get past Buffalo,
all bets are off on the on the Bengals potentially
making it into the playoffs, and Ray said, at best,
nobody wants to see Joe Burrow if he does make
it into the playoffs, because if he does get there,
the most likely means that they win six games in
(05:19):
a row with him at quarterback.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
And once he's in, I mean, it's it's dangerous.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
I mean, remember the only two teams he's ever lost
to the in in the playoffs are the Rams in
the Super Bowl and Patrick Mahomes on the road in
Kansas City in the AC Championship game. Those are his
only two losses in the playoffs. It's incredible what he's
done once he's gotten there. But it's a long road
to there, and it starts here. It started last week,
really really in Baltimore. They got that one done. But
(05:46):
like Ray said, like Tom said, like you said, ed Uh,
it starts again here. It's another tough one against Buffalo,
but if they can get past him, that's it. And
remember I've worn out earlier today against or with Tom
Joe Burrow has never lost an had to head matchup
against Josh Allen.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Well, he's gonna try to change that this week is
Josh Allen on his side. The Bengals, having lost four
straight before beating the Ravens last week. When they get
Joe Burrow back, pretty much save their season. They can
save it another notch if they can go into Buffalo
and win this game at one o'clock on Sunday. Meanwhile,
the Bills three and two in their last five games,
coming off that win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The other
(06:22):
AFC North team in action is the Cleveland Browns. We
know about Steelers Ravens, so Browns will host the Tennessee Titans,
who are one and eleven on the season. The Browns
three and nine. Shoudor Sanders gets another start this week
at home and an opportunity to continue to try to
build on his rookie season. He's now had a couple starts,
has Shador Sanders Titans team that's really bad at one
and eleven.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
There's almost an argument to be made and that the
brown should throw this game because it could be an
easy win for them. Right, it could be a very
easy thing for them to say, Hey, we're just playing Tennessee.
They're really bad, and yeah, our team isn't much better,
but we have a defense that can really smother cam Ward.
But with only five games raining, they're clearly out of it, right.
I Mean, we talked about how only Tennessee and the
(07:03):
Raiders are the only two teams that have been eliminated
from playoff contention so far in the AFC, But the
Browns are right there.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
The Browns lose one more game and that's it. Even
if they win this game.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
They could still be eliminated, just depending on what else
happens around the conference. But because of draft position, like
I said, there's an argument to be made that the
Browns should throw this gamer or not risk winning it,
just to get a better slot in the draft.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Elsewhere in the AFC. On Sunday, the Colts and the
Jaguars should be a good one there. When you look
at the Jaguars, they've now won three straight and four
of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Colts are on
the other side of that. They've lost two straight jacub
and they're one and three in their last four games.
This game is in Jacksonville. This week, as the Jaguars
on the season look to extend it to a four
(07:50):
game winning streak. They are eight and four on the year.
The Colts are eight and four. Right now, the Jags
have leapfrogged the Colts for first place in the AFC South.
Much like the AFC Fourth battle between the Steelers and
Ravens this week, this is a battle for whoever takes
over first place in the AFC South.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I mean this is something that I was talking about
a lot last week, had the Jags won that game,
or predicting the Jacks to win that game in Houston
to upset the Colts, And that's exactly what happened. And
now you have these two teams, the Colts and the Jags,
going up head to head for the AFC South Division title.
And remember two, this is their first of two matchups.
Remember shout out to the NFL scheduling Committee. They have
(08:27):
yet to play each other this season. So even if
the Colts lose this game and fall to one and four,
they will have another shot at taking down the Jags
later on this season. But if you're the Colts, you
can't afford to say, hey, if we lose this one.
We can still get back at them later. You got
to get right. I mean, like you said, they've really struggled.
I think they've gone what one and two in their
(08:48):
last three is at it? They really need to get
back on schedule here. Jonathan Taylor needs to reassert himself
as the best running back in football for the season,
and Daniel Jones needs to stop playing like Daniel Jones
and the Giants that start playing more like Daniel Jones
as a cold to start the season.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Elsewhere around the NFL. In Week fourteen, Jacob and I
breaking it down here on our Renegade preview. We'll go
to some NFC games now as we've hit some of
our AFC games. The Seahawks nine and three on the season.
They visit Atlanta, who's four and eight this upcoming Sunday
at one o'clock. The tell of two teams that are
in different spots of their seasons, that's for sure. Seahawks
one of the top teams in the NFC West, a
(09:27):
very competitive, very good NFC West and the NFC Right
up there as well are the Seahawks. They are six
and one in their last seven games. Jacob. Meanwhile, the
Falcons on the opposite side of that, they're one and
six in their last seven games. Atlanta's really been struggling
and the Seahawks, again, this is one of these games
each week. You and I sit here at the end
of the week and talk about, Hey, this is an
(09:48):
obvious one, right, and then we come back in here
Monday morning and you and I look at each other
and say, Wow, they either gave them a game, it
was close, it was overtime, or they got upset. But
while Seahawks are on a roll, and I'd expect them
to continue to be on a roll.
Speaker 3 (09:59):
In Atlanta, the yeah, I mean, the like we said,
are one of the best teams in football right now.
That division, the NFC West, is one of the best,
if not the best division in football right now. The
Seahawks just need to sack wins when they can. They've
only lost three games on the season. They've beaten every
team that they should have beaten so far. Their only
losses were against San fran Tampa Bay and the Rams,
(10:20):
so that's two division losses and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,
who were a pretty good team at the time. I
know they've stumbled as of recently, but there's still a
top of their own division in the NFC South. But
every other team went faced off against a team that
could be just as good, but or worse they've beaten.
And that's including the Stealers, the Saints, the Cardinals, the Jacks,
(10:41):
the Texans, the Commanders, the Cardinals the second time, the Titans,
and the Vikings. Like I said, they just win when
they need or they win when it's required. And it's
another week here where they should be the easy favorite
and they should have no problem taking care of Atlanta.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
Next couple games are some dog games, but we got
to get through them. The Commanders three and nine, the
Vikings four and eight. The Commanders have lost seven straight games.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
It's bad.
Speaker 3 (11:05):
I mean a lot of injuries. You know, no Jaden Daniels,
no arm McLaurin for a long time. I know he's
back in the lineup, but still without Jaden Daniels, that's
that's the straw that starves the drink.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
And if he's not out there, it's gonna be a
bad day.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
And on the flip side, the Vikings won in six
in their last seven games, so they have not played
very good football either. Both these teams are desperate, in
need of a win, and they'll have an opportunity to
do that this Sunday at one o'clock. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
I don't even know who the quarterback is right now
for the Vikings. I don't think it's McCarthy. I think
he's hurt again. That would mean it would be Max Brosner,
bros Murr rather.
Speaker 1 (11:44):
Who is that?
Speaker 3 (11:45):
Right?
Speaker 2 (11:45):
No idea?
Speaker 3 (11:46):
I mean we know remember Carson Wentz went down on
the IR earlier this year.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Rosmer came in. I believe last week.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
If JJ's unhealthy or not one hundred percent, it could
be Brosmer. Looking at it now, it looks like he's
a rookie from Minnesota. So go big ten, I guess
is all I can say.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
The Jets have won three of their last five games.
How about that break out? The New York Jets, right.
But on the other side, the Steelers opponent next Monday
night after they get through Baltimore will be the Miami Dolphins,
who have won three straight games and they're four and
one in their last five games. As Tom said in
our last segment, Dolphins, all of a sudden, are very
relevant at five and seven on the season and still
(12:28):
alive for a potential playoff spot. The Jets aren't. But
they're three to nine and as I said, playing better
football here the last few weeks. Dolphins at Jets, one
o'clock on Sunday.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
I'll say the same thing about the Dolphins as I
said last week about them when they beat the Saints.
Don't look at this as a the in the week
before that, even too, when they beat the Commanders. Don't
look at this as a potential mini run that they're
about to go on. Yes, I know it started with
this huge upset over Buffalo in Miami, but Washington, as
(12:58):
I mentioned, without at the time tear M and without
Jaden Daniels. Then last week against the Saints, this week
against the Jets. Even if they win this week and
they improved the six and seven, they're one game below
five hundred. Don't think of that as some kind of resurgence.
The only teams they've beaten if they beat the Jets,
there have been two wins against the Jets that would
have swept them. The Falcons you mentioned are a train wreck,
the Commanders who were a train wreck, the Saints who
(13:19):
were a train wreck, and then one upset victory against Buffalos,
the ring. Do not be afraid if you're the Steelers
looking at the Dolphins, who, if they win this week,
would have won five of their last six going into
that game. They have beaten the bottom of the only
the bottom of the barrel besides Buffalo. It is not
an impressive thing that the Dolphins are doing right now.
(13:42):
If anything, it's hurting them because, you know, going into
the season, we thought there was a lot of pressure
on Mike McDaniel. What's he done in his career? Really
nothing with two would tugo Iloa, even though they brought
in Tyreek Hill. They really have struggled in the playoffs,
especially folding at the end of the season. Started off
this year one and seven, and we all thought that
(14:03):
could have been it. Then all of a sudden, they've
won four of their last five. They're most likely going
to win five of their last six with the Jets
coming up this week, but really it could be a
hindrance and then they're playing themselves out of a solid
draft right draft spot they might be this might keep
McDaniel here for another year, which could not be the
right thing for them in the long term.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
So yeah, it's it's a weird season for Miami for sure.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Another division game. A lot of division games this week, Jacob,
we were just talking about Dolphins Jets in the AFC East.
How about the NFC South. The Saints two and ten
visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are seven and five.
Much like the Tennessee Titans. The Saints and Titans are
battling for that number one pick for next year. Saints
two and ten and as we said about the Titans earlier,
one and eleven. So so far the Titans have the
(14:49):
upper hand there. But the Saints are bad again, just
two and ten bad, real bad. The Buccaneers have been
bad as of late, two and four in their last
six games. They stopped the bleeding last week with a
much needed win to get the seven to five on
the season. They're at home against the Saints and again
another game in which we should should expect Tampa Bay
to role in this one.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
Yeah, we should, Like I said, I know, Tampa's kind
of struggled against good teams, but last week they turned
things around in the right direction. They got that win
against Arizona. They should beat the Saints. Remember, they took easy,
They took their business easily. Last time they played them.
That game was in New Orleans and the Superdome. Now
they get them at home in Tampa the rest of
the schedule. As I mentioned after the Bucks had lost
(15:31):
that last game against the Rams, I said, they should
lose or they should win their last six and that's
last week against Arizona. This week against New Orleans, Atlanta,
Carolina twice, and Miami. They should absolutely sweep that six
game stretch, which would have gotten them to twelve and
five on the season and should easily wrap up that division.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Another divisional battles, we moved to the four o'clock games.
On Sunday at four h five, the Broncos ten and
two as they visit the Las Vegas Raiders, who are
two and ten on the season in AFC West battle.
The Broncos have won nine straight games, one of the
hottest teams in football along with the Patriots. In fact,
it's Denver in New England. Just a game separates them
(16:09):
at the top of the AFC. The Raiders have been
awful two to ten, six straight losses for the Raiders. Again,
they're in that conversation that we just talked about with
the Saints and Tennessee. The Raiders are right there with
them too. They're gonna have a top five pick most
likely next year. But one thing I will say, Jacob,
Denver's played a lot of close games.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
This year, including the first time they played against the Raiders.
Remember that Thursday and night game. I think it was
in Denver. They should have rolled and I think the
final score was ten to seven something like that, but
they found.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
Ways to win. So absolutely, and this listen, just like
the AFC North, you can throw the records out the window.
These AFC West battles are usually pretty close games, regardless
of what's going on with either team.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Yeah, I mean, they're the cardiac kids this year, the
Denver Broncos are. They play every team close. However, like
you mentioned that, they still come out on top. This
game is get to be played in Vegas. It's not
the same thing as the Oakland Coliseum. But like we've mentioned,
expecting to be a close game, because that's all Denver
(17:11):
seems to be able to do this year.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
For twenty five, we talked about some really good games
in the one o'clock window. Well here's one in the
four to twenty five window. After you watch the Steelers Ravens,
you can tune into the nine and three Bears versus
the eight, three and one Packers again, another division showdown.
These two teams will play, just like the Steelers and
Ravens twice in the final five weeks. This is the
first meeting of the year. It'll be in Green Bay.
(17:34):
It should be cold, The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field
should be in play. Maybe some snow flurries. I'm not sure,
but this is gonna be a good one as the Bears,
who have won five straight games, look to keep control
not only of the NFC North but the NFC overall.
They're the number one seed right now. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Absolutely, it's a must win for both of these teams. Again,
gonna show the NFL scheduling Committee for having this be
the first sign these two teams go head to head
this year. They still have to play a second time
later on in a couple of weeks, but luckily for
the Packers, they get this one at home. It's sure
to be a great game. I'd be surprised if either
(18:14):
team really blows the other one out. I do think
I'm leading the Packers, though, in this game, only because
it's being played in Lambeau The Bears clearly proved last
week they can go anywhere and beat anyone when they
went into Philadelphia into the Link and be the Eagles
on the road. So they can do that, they should
be able to keep it competitive in Lambeau against the Packers.
(18:36):
But don't be surprised if I really don't know which
way I lean. I think the only reason I'm leading
pack is just because it's in Lambeau. Maybe in a
couple of weeks if the Bears. When the Bears play
that game in Chicago, I'll believing I'll be leading them
the Bears.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Other matchup over in the NFC a little in that
four to twenty five window, maybe not as attractive, if
you will. Of the game we just talked about are
the Rams at nine and three versus the card who
are three and nine. The Cardinals are one and nine
in their last ten games, again in that conversation, as
a top five potential pick next year. Meanwhile, the Rams,
(19:10):
they lose last week, they're upset in Carolina, but they're
six and one in their last seven games. They look
to get back on the winning track playing in Arizona
now again, the Cardinals one and nine in their last
ten Jacob. But they've played some close games this year too,
but they've been on the other side of it, losing
some of those competitive games. Hey, NFC West rivals Rams Cardinals,
another divisional showdown this week. Hopefully for the Cardinal's sake,
(19:33):
they can hang with the Rams. I don't think they will. Rams.
I think get back on the winning track this week
in Arizona.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
Yeah, I mean if the cart i'ms are If the
Rams are just taking care of business last week against
the Panthers, I have nothing to say about this game.
The only reason I give pass to it now is
because of that upset by Carolina. Maybe that gives the
Cardinals a shot, But like you said, they've gone what
one and seven in the last eight or one and
eight in their last nine something like that. It's not
(19:59):
one in nine in their last ten. Yeah, so it's
as bad as you can get for Arizona. They are
clearly the the odd team out in that division. In
the NFC West, everyone else is killing it. But yeah,
the only reason I give pause to this game is
just because Carolina was able to pull off the epset
last week. This game game being played in Arizona or
(20:20):
in La It's in Arizona, So maybe that gives the
Cardinals a shot.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
I don't know. The Sunday night game is another good one.
Texans seven and five as they visit the Kansas City Chiefs,
who are six and six and hanging on for dear life.
The Chiefs need this one at home at Arrowhead, and
they're gonna have a tough competition with the Texans, who
have really come on late. The Texans five and two
in their last seven games, Jacob, they're seven and five
now on the season. The Chiefs, after that loss in
(20:45):
Dallas last Thanksgiving a week ago, are now six and
six on the season. But they're playing for their playoff lives.
They need this one. They drop this one at home
against the Texans, that path to the playoffs is going
to be very very small.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
I mean, it's a must win for both of these teams.
They're both right there. I want to say, let me
look it up real quick. I think the Texans are
on the outside looking in for the playoff race. As
it stands today, they are the eight seeds, so they're
right there. So they're both on the outside looking in.
But that's why it's a must win. But I kind
of think this is going to be the nail on
the coffin for the Chiefs. I believe in the Texans.
(21:19):
They've been red hot as of recently. They have only
lost one. They have only lost one game and their
last six competitions, and they've beaten some good teams on
the way too. They beat San Francisco, they beat the Jags,
they beat the Buffalo Bills, and they beat the Indianapolis Colts.
So they've taken care of some really good offenses with
the really stout defense. I think they can take care
(21:40):
of business again on Sunday night. And like I said,
that could be it for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (21:46):
Yeah, I absolutely must win. Echo exactly what you say
for both. The Texans are in that very competitive all
of a sudden AFC South. We talked about the Colts
and Jaguars big one this week, Titans no way, but
three out of those four teams could potentially make the
play play. But the Texan's got to come up with
this win in Kansas City if they want to be
in that conversation in the AFC South or even the
AFC playoff pitcher. But yeah, Kansas City on life support
(22:09):
this point at six and six on the year, Texans
seven and five Sunday Night Football. The Monday night game
this week a good one as well. The Eagles are
eight and four as they visit the LA Chargers, who
are eight and four on the season as well. The Eagles,
Jacob have lost two straight games. They're four and four
in their last eight. Meanwhile, the Chargers four and one
in their last five. The Chargers get this one in La.
(22:30):
The Eagles got to fly cross country on Monday night,
and they are also in a must win situation, well
not must win situation, but a key win for their
season again, four and four in their last night.
Speaker 3 (22:40):
Yeah, it's it's been a shaky it's been back and
forth for them, but it's been you know, back and
forth for the Eagles as well. I mean, like I
mentioned earlier, they've had two shrieks of the exact same scenario.
They start off four to zero, then lose to in
a row, then they win four more in a row,
then they.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
Lose to in a row. So both of these teams
are playing kind of shaky foot right now.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
But I will say I think the Chargers are the
more are the team that you're more afraid of in
terms of you can't really trust them just because it's
it's the Chargers.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
They always play inconsistent.
Speaker 3 (23:12):
I think that that the Eagles, even though they're on
the road, we know that the LA the Sofi Stadium
is maybe the worst home field advantage in football. I
think the Philly finals will travel for that one. I
think Philly turns it around just because I can't. I
cannot believe in the Chargers. That every time I think
that I'm back in that I believe in them, they
go in and they lose a game that they should have.
Speaker 1 (23:33):
Won by four teams on bye weeks this week the Patriots, Giants,
forty nine, Ers, and Panthers. And I believe this is
the last bye week of the season here in the NFL.
I think everybody will have had their buys by this
point after this week. That brings us to our game.
The Ravens and the Steelers, both teams six and six
on the season. We've been talking about it all week
(23:53):
long here on the Standard. It's a big one in
Baltimore for first place in the AFC North. When I
look at our original picks before the season started, Jacob,
we both had them losing this game in Baltimore. We
had them both splitting with the Ravens losing this one
in Baltimore and then beating them at the end of
the season. But you could throw a wow, you're still
alive because you had them at ten and seven on
the year.
Speaker 2 (24:13):
I am at twelve a year prediction going.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
I had them at twelve and five, so you could
throw that out the window. They've clinched that they're not
going to get the twelve wins with five to go.
At six the best they can do is eleven. But
you're still alive with your ten and seven pick. Who
do you like, Ravens or Steelers this week in Baltimore.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
I have no idea.
Speaker 3 (24:29):
I might just lean Baltimore just because it's being played
in Baltimore. I remember when we had Tom Offerman on
earlier today. These two teams are playing very similar styles
of football right now, kind of inconsistent overall, not complimentary.
Whenever the offense has a good day, the defense doesn't
show up. Whenever the defense has a good day, the
offense doesn't show up. It's hard to believe it either
(24:51):
of these teams right now, but I think I'm gonna
go with Baltimore just because they had home field advantage.
But that's not to say that the Steelers win and
win their game. And if this game is being played
in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (25:01):
This week, score any guesses.
Speaker 3 (25:04):
I think it's gonna be to be a typical ABC
North matchup. I'm gonna go with the Ravens twenty one,
Steelers ten all.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
Right, twenty one to ten. You like the Ravens. I'm
gonna go with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. I think
they bounce back and I think they're well overdue to
get one here after these last shaky few weeks. I'm
gonna go Steelers twenty four, Ravens twenty three on a
game winner by Boz. I think Boz hits a game
winner at the end. They'll be down twenty three to
(25:32):
twenty one. In the final minute, Rogers will get him
in field goal range. In Bozz, not only does he
make a field goal, Jacob I say it's a long
field goal fifty plus to win the game.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
He's hit a lot of long field goals because the
offense can't move the ball down the sel, so it
would be pretty appropriate.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
One more game the preview real quick before we wrap
it up here for today and for this week. You'll
be there in Indianapolis, your your Hoosiers and the Ohio
State Buccaneers.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
Who I don't need to emphasize the too hard, uh
with me in the room, It's okay, No, It's gonna
be a great game. I think both of these teams
are elite. You have two great quarterbacks, Julian Saying for
the Bucks and Fernando Mendoza for the Hoosiers. They're both
gonna be Heisman finalists. They've both played really great football.
(26:20):
But both of these teams are defined I think by
their defenses. It's the it's the top two defenses in
the country this year, great players all around. They both
lead lead the Big Ten with the most players name
to an All Big Ten team, whether it's a first, second, third,
or an honorable mention. I think it's gonna be a
(26:43):
very close game, well fought by both sides. It's a
great head coaching matchup as well. Ryan Day, who just
won the National Championship last year, coach Sgnetti, who's the
first guy in the Big Ten and thirty years to
win Big Ten Coach of the Year and back to
back seasons.
Speaker 2 (26:58):
So there's there's no reason this game to be a
great game.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
They Like I said, these two teams have played the
best football all season long. I want to hear your
arguments about the SEC plays a tougher schedule or Texas
you know, went out on a lamb and scheduled Ohio State. Well,
they shouldn't have lost to Florida, who's only won five
games or four games all year.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
These are by far the two best teams.
Speaker 3 (27:20):
The winner of this game will lock up easily the
number one seed, and I think even if whoever loses
this game should still remain the number two team because
it's the best loss any team will have all the season. Right,
it's the only time we've seen the number one team
go against the number two team this year. It's the
first time we've seen a number one team go against
the number two team in quite some time. I think
(27:41):
the last time in the regular season it happened was
an LSU Alabama game a couple of years ago, if
not a decade plus. So yeah, I don't think the
loser of this game should be punished unless for some
reason it's a blowout. Maybe they move be below Georgia
if Georgia is able to win their SEC championship game.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
Again it's Alabama.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
There's an argument to be made for Texas Tech moving
up if they win their Big Twelve championship.
Speaker 2 (28:07):
I just don't know. I think it's gonna be a.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
Great game, and I think it's what's best served for
both of these teams. I know, Michigan just gave Ohio
State a close game. I know Ohio State kind ran
away with it, but it was the best team Ohio
State that played all season long. That was good for them.
Of course, earlier this year, Indiana went on the road
into Eugene in Oregon to beat the Ducks. That was
(28:32):
their best win by far of the season, one of
the best wins on the season by any team so far.
But really, what with this game will set up for
them is for both of these teams is getting them
ready for the postseason. Besides the Georgia and Alabama matchup,
this is as good as of a matchup as you
can get in football, and like I said, it gets
(28:52):
them into that playoff mentality. There's no more easy opponents
from starting on Saturday from here on out, every team
you play is a is a postseason contender. So I'm
looking forward to that I'm looking forward to playing in
the postseason because I know both Indiana and Ohio State
have their their spots locked up hoping for a win.
Would love to see it. I'm two and zero on
(29:14):
the year, saw one in Penn State, so one in Bloomington,
hopefully seeing my third one on the year in Indy.
If that's the case, it's gonna be tough for me
to not buy a ticket to one of those bowl
games later on in the postseason.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
I'm excited for you, my friend. Good luck, go get
a win for IU. And there's a Pittsburgh connection with
with Signetti the head coach, so we always like to
talk about him on this show.
Speaker 3 (29:36):
Not with him, but his assistance Mike Shanahan and Brian Gaines,
the defensive coordinator and the offensive coordinator have followed him everywhere.
They were both at IEP with him as well. Sarah
can't forget that connection as well.
Speaker 1 (29:49):
Good luck to your Hoosiers this week, and good luck
to the Steelers as they travel to Baltimore. Jacob and
I will be back on the Standard on Monday to
break that down for you. In week fourteen, it is
this Sunday, which you can hear right here on the
Steelers Audio Network, starting at nine o'clock with Tom Offerman
and Matt Williamson, followed by Missy Matthews, Max Starks and
Rob King for the call at one o'clock in Baltimore
(30:10):
Steelers six and six, Ravens six and six. We'll break
it down for you on Monday. It is the Steeler Standard.
I am at TRUP. He's Jacob Breck. Thank you for
listening each and every day right here on Steelers Nation Radio,
part of the Steelers Audio Network.
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