Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints: 5 Bold predictions for Week 16

NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 26: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms P.J. Williams #25 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 26, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 29: Vonn Bell #24, Cameron Jordan #94, and Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

3. The Saints defense holds the Steelers to less than 100 yards rushing

Last week’s game against the Panthers showed us a lot of things about the Saints. It was weird how the narrative has flip-flopped. For years, the team was known for having a stellar offense and an okay defense. Last week proved the exact opposite as the team couldn’t generate much on offense.

In their 12-9 win, all of their momentum came via defense. One key in their win was the team’s ability to stifle the run. They stopped Christan McCaffrey in his tracks and held him to only 50 yards. Stalling him kept the Panthers offense from truly gaining any momentum and they finished the game with only 9 points via a single touchdown and a defensive 2-point conversion.

Going up against the Steelers, I predict more of the same. In particular, the Saints defense will hold the Steelers to less than 100 yards rushing. Even if James Conner makes his return, the Saints have shown they’re capable. They held Ezekiel Elliott to just 75 yards, Todd Gurley to 68 and less than 40 to all of Washington’s running backs.

The Saints run defense is no joke. They’re stalled some of the best guys in the league and it’s been key to their wins. They might give up some big passing plays but they’ll make up for it by stopping the run.

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