Steelers vs. Texans: Preview, score prediction for Week 16
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans
Off a stirring 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have some work to do when it comes to getting one of those top two playoff seeds in their conference.
Mike Tomlin’s club must put a tough defeat behind them and concentrate on a Houston Texans’ team in the midst of a disappointing season but armed with enough game breakers to give the AFC North champions fits.
This may look like a mismatch on paper, but we’ve seen time and again over the years that anything can happen at this point in the season.
Keys to Victory
Down wide receiver Antonio Brown for the remainder of the regular season (and perhaps longer), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will have to rely on Martavis Bryant, Juju Smith-Schuster and Eli Rogers to exploit one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
But Pittsburgh’s offensive line must do a superior job on keeping Texans’ outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney out of the Steelers’ backfield. He leads Houston with nine sacks and paces Bill O’Brien’s club in tackles for losses (20) and quarterback hits (20).
Led by Pro Bowlers in left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, center Maurkice Pouncey and right guard David DeCastro, Pittsburgh has allowed just 21 sacks in 14 contests.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Steelers (-8.5)
Moneyline: Steelers +105, Texans -125
Over/Under: 44
Prediction
Despite their impressive record, seemingly every game has been a struggle for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. Nine of the club’s 14 contests have been decided by six points or less and each of their last four outings have been decided by three points or less.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Giants start baking
The undermanned Houston Texans will certainly have their say in this Christmas afternoon matchup. But keep in mind that Tomlin’s team has found a way to get it done for the most part this season and the Steelers’ 6-1 road record is hard to ignore.
Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers: 27, Houston Texans: 15