NFL New York JetsPittsburgh Steelers

Predicting the Final Score of Steelers vs. Jets

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By @sdmeyers1

Ben Roethlisberger

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The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets enter their Week 10 matchup headed in completely different directions. Pittsburgh has been the league’s hottest team in recent weeks, as the Steelers have dismantled the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens in consecutive weeks. Conversely, the Jets have lost eight straight tilts, including a deflating setback to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Given the teams’ different paths, it appears as though this contest could be lopsided in favor of the Steelers. Pittsburgh has struggled against inferior teams this season, though, dropping an earlier game to the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers and narrowly edging the similarly struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. It seems as though those games are ancient history, as the black and gold have turned around their campaign, but the Steelers cannot afford to overlook the sputtering Jets on Sunday.

On the other side, New York has been competitive against some of the AFC powerhouses, as the Jets held an early lead against the Denver Broncos and nearly knocked off the New England Patriots the following week. Any progress the team made in those weeks appears to have been negated by the consecutive ugly losses to the Buffalo Bills and Chiefs, though.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has enjoyed an historic run, as he’s notched a dozen passing touchdowns over the past two weeks. Pittsburgh’s signal-caller has been clicking on all cylinders with his array of offensive weapons, including Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and the emerging rookie wideout Martavis Bryant. He should be salivating at his potential success against a beleaguered Jets’ secondary, which could start an undrafted rookie (Marcus Williams) and a player who was cut earlier this season (Josh Thomas).

While the Jets have struggled against the pass, their defense has been even worse in the red zone. New York ranks 31st in the league inside its own 20-yard-line, so the Steelers’ offensive outburst will likely continue.

Pittsburgh could have its own defensive woes, though, as injuries have ravaged the Steelers’ defense. Future Hall-of-Fame safety Troy Polamalu will be sidelined with a sprained knee, and fellow safety Shamarko Thomas has also been ruled out against the Jets. Additionally, rookie inside linebacker Ryan Shazier will not suit up at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, as he sustained a sprained ankle in the victory against the Ravens.

Thus, the Jets offense could find some success, especially with recently-acquired receiver Percy Harvin becoming acclimated to the system. Harvin exploded for 129 yards receiving on Sunday, while Eric Decker hauled in nine passes. Both receivers benefited from an efficient performance from quarterback Michael Vick, who completed 75 percent of his passes despite sustaining a few minor injuries. Vick is expected to play against the Steelers, and he will combine with running back Chris Johnson and Harvin to comprise one of the fastest skill-position trios in the league. As a result, the Jets could give the Steelers an early scare, especially if Pittsburgh continues to struggle on special teams.

Even if Pittsburgh falls behind, though, the Steelers’ explosive offense will pick apart the Jets’ suspect defense. Ultimately, the Steelers’ superior talent will prevail, as Pittsburgh will continue its winning ways by a comfortable margin.

Final Score Prediction: Steelers 34, Jets 17

Sean Meyers is a professional wrestling writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and “Like” him on Facebook.

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