Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 3 vs. Texans
By Samuel Teets
4. Smith-Schuster posts 100-yard game
After a disappointing third season, Smith-Schuster plans to restore his name this year and earn a massive check in next year’s free agency pool. The USC product opened 2020 with two touchdown catches in Week 1 and settled into a complementary role last week. However, Smith-Schuster still possesses Pro Bowl potential, and he could earn an invitation to Orlando, Florida, this year.
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Without Roethlisberger, Smith-Schuster struggled last season. Big Ben’s return opens a world of possibilities for Smith-Schuster, who has several significant playmakers surrounding him, including Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington. Splitting looks with his fellow young receivers could sabotage Smith-Schuster’s totals this season, but the 23-year-old should have a few breakout games.
Smith-Schuster’s last 100-yard game came in Week 8 last season. It was his only 100-yard game of the year. It’s time for the young stud to regain his crown as Pittsburgh’s top receiving threat.
3. Steelers tally six sacks
I predicted the Steelers would bring down Drew Lock eight times last week. Instead, Pittsburgh’s pass rush only dragged down Lock and his backup seven times. However, those sacks came against an offensive line that kept Lock upright for the entirety of Week 1 when Denver faced the Tennessee Titans. This week, the Steelers face one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.
Watson took four sacks in each of his first two appearances. Even the Pro Bowler’s mobility can’t keep him afloat behind Houston’s porous offensive line. Laremy Tunsil is Houston’s lone star up front, but he’s not even a top-five left tackle. If Baltimore got 13 quarterback hits and four sacks last week, Pittsburgh could easily bring Watson down six times.