Bold Predictions for the Steelers and Texans Christmas Day clash
As I’m sure is the case for many Steelers fans, this has been a tough week. The heartbreaking loss to the Patriots this past Sunday was the hardest game to get over in recent memory.
Fortunately, the Steelers are still in great shape and have another game ahead of them this week. While we’re all celebrating Christmas with our families, loved ones, whatever the case may be, we have something else to look forward to on Christmas Day: Steelers football.
The Steelers have a Christmas Day matchup with the Houston Texans, who have been struggling since Deshaun Watson‘s season was ended due to injury. However, they shouldn’t get too comfortable, as this could still be a trap game for the Steelers.
I only got one prediction somewhat correct last week (JuJu was the X-Factor against the Patriots), so here’s to hoping this week’s bold predictions will be closer to reality.
Big game for Steelers passing attack
The Steelers will be facing a Texans defense who has been way more successful against the run than the pass. Their defense has given up 27 passing touchdowns compared to 11 on the ground. Last week, they were dominated by the Jaguars’ passing attack, leading to a 45-7 loss. Blake Bortles threw for over 300 yards for three touchdowns with no interceptions. Jaguars’ receiver, Keelan Cole, finished with seven receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown. With that being said, I have TWO bold predictions involving the passing game.
With that being said, the Steelers’ passing attack is way more dangerous. Obviously, Ben Roethlisberger is a much better Quarterback than Bortles and should have a field day with this secondary. I look for Ben to throw for at least 320 yards for three touchdowns.
Antonio Brown will obviously be a huge missing piece to the passing game this week, so it will be time for some of these other receivers to step up, just as they did last week. The receiver that I see having a big game against the Texans is Martavis Bryant. The Texans struggled to defend the speed of Keelan Cole last week and I believe that Bryant poses an even bigger threat in that regard. Bryant will be a huge deep threat in this game, finishing with over 100 yards and at least one touchdown.
No touchdowns allowed by the defense
After a heartbreaking loss last week, I truly believe that this defense will come hungry for revenge this week. In this game, I believe that the rushing attack from the Texans will struggle against the Steelers. Running backs Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue have had their decent games this season, but nothing spectacular. The Texans have only managed to score seven rushing touchdowns this season. I believe those struggles will continue against the Steelers front seven, led by Pro Bowl snub, Cameron Heyward, who I expect a big game out of this week.
If the Texans want any chance to win this game, it will have to be through the air. With a very talented wide receiver like Deandre Hopkins, I expect to see quite a few deep shots in this game from Tom Savage. Hopkins will likely have a couple big plays this game against a Steelers secondary that has struggled against the deep ball all season. However, this defense will stand tall and keep the Texans out of the end zone, as they have shown at many times throughout this season.
Steelers avoid trap game in a blowout win
Following last week’s win taken away by officiating, this team will come out hungry this week. A lot of people will be worried about this game, as the Steelers have played down to their competition this season. However, I don’t believe that will be the case this week. I’ve got the Steelers winning 31-9 in a game that they will dominate for all four quarters.
