Carolina Panthers
v.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Carolina Panthers (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-1) - The Steelers got off to a bad start, but they are on a tear now, having won four straight and taken over the top spot in the AFC North. The Panthers, meanwhile, have been fairly consistently good all season, and remain on the heels of the division leading New Orleans Saints, although it is fair to say that they need to find a way to win this game against the black and gold Steelers in order to keep pace with the black and gold leaders of their own division. They should take confidence in the fact that their last road game was also in Pennsylvania, and it was a successful one, as the Panthers downed the defending champion Eagles in Philly. These two teams met in the final game of the preseason, which was also in Pittsburgh, although the starters did not really play in that one, and neither team would be willing to either risk strategy or starters for what is often the resting period before the start of the regular season. Pittsburgh is a tough place to play, although ironically, they are sporting a 2-2 home record, while remaining unbeaten on the road. But while the Panthers have roared loudly at home, they have been quite a bit more pedestrian on the road, having won only that one road game against the Eagles thus far. The Steelers have a potentially explosive offense, and although they have not given off fireworks this season like some other teams, like the Chiefs or the Rams or the Saints, they nevertheless can score some points. That is especially true at home, where they have produced their three highest scoring games o far this season. But Carolina's defense has been one of the better units so far this season. Not one of the elite defensive unit in the league, but still one of the better ones, to be sure. The Panthers offense has also not exactly been the most dangerous offense so far this season, and have struggled at times to move the ball, as well as to score some points. Yet, they rank more or less in the top half on both offense and defense, and the explosiveness and dangerous threat posed by quarterback Cam Newton adds an unpredictable element to their offense, and often keeps opposing defenses honest. Either team could play very well, and it would not be difficult to picture scenarios where either team wins. However, only one will, and if I have to choose one, my pick will be for the home team. My pick: Pittsburgh
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