MNF Preview - Steelers

    Written by: Miles Jordan •

    Share on:

    • • •

    Fantasy Football

    Russell Wilson

    For the second straight week the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2, 2-1) will start quarterback Russell Wilson when they take on the New York Giants (2-5, 2-1) on Monday Night Football, in hopes to capture its third straight victory.

    Wilson turned back the clock in his first start for Pittsburgh, throwing for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the Steelers' 37-15 victory over the Jets. In the clash of veteran quarterbacks, Wilson took the victory over his counterpart Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 276 yards but threw two picks to only one touchdown.

    Even without Justin Fields's more mobile presence in the backfield, Wilson made up for his lack of running by finding receivers downfield for big plays. This was mainly due to Wilson's ability to spread the ball around to a plethora of receivers. The veteran quarterback completed passes to six different receivers, including a couple of deep balls to Calvin Austin II for 36 yards and Pat Freiermuth for 30 yards.

    However, none was deeper or possibly more electric than Wilson's 44-yard strike to George Pickens. Almost a third of Wilson's passing yards were caught by Pickens, who finished the game with five receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown, his second 100+-yard receiving game this season.

    Pittsburgh seemed to have found a second QB1 in Wilson and, in the same stride, found its running game in Najee Harris. The power back had a breakout game for 102 yards rushing and a touchdown. This is Harris’ second straight week with 100+ rushing yards and 1+ touchdown after running for 106 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders in the previous week.

    After dominating the Jets last week, the Steelers look to defeat another New York team when they take on Daniel Jones and the Giants, who only average 14.6 points per game and now have to face a grueling Pittsburgh defense. Right on par with the Giants' offense, the Steelers' defense only allows 14.6 points a game, ranking them second in the league for fewest opponent points scored this season.

    While Daniel Jones may have his favorite target in Malik Nabers back, he will need to be able to find him amidst the black and yellow on the opposing side of the field. In Nabers first game back after sitting out two contests with a concussion, Nabers caught a season-low four passes in his previous week against the Eagles. If the Giants hope to knock off the red-hot Steelers, he will need a much more active role this week.

    Pittsburgh sits at the top of the AFC North, above Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, and hopes to further solidify its dominant season by becoming the first AFC North team to win six games in a season.

    Recent Posts: