Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints: 5 Bold predictions for Week 16
4. JuJu Smith-Schuster has a big game
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Steelers offense has been great. I’d be remiss to not mention the absence of Le’Veon Bell. If anything, the Steelers proved they’re perfectly fine without the RB. Even without James Conner, Jaylen Samuels was a suitable substitute.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Even with their solid run game, the team has always been pass-heavy. The connection between Rothlisberger and Antonio Brown is second nature to them. In 2017, the team drafted fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and his connection with Ben has been even stronger. For the past few weeks, Smith-Schuster hasn’t been playing at his usual capacity but I look for that to change this week.
I predict Smith-Schuster will have a big game against the Saints. The Saints defense had a good game last week including a strip sack and interception. Regardless, the team still gave us 67 receiving yards to Christin McCaffrey and 86 to Mike Evans the week before. Considering how good their run defense has been, the Steelers will be forced to throw the ball more.
Smith-Schuster leads the team in both catches and receiving yards. Even with a Pro-Bowl snub, it’s obvious Smith-Schuster is the team’s biggest weapon. He makes the most of the opportunities he gets and the Saints defense has given up some big plays this season. I look for Smith-Schuster to have a good game against the Saints.