The Steelyard

Pittsburgh Steelers 2012 opponents

2012-01-02T06:11:00.000-08:00

Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, San Diego, Philadelphia, Washington and the New York Jets.

Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Oakland, Dallas, the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans.

Bengals: What are the Chances...?

2011-12-04T08:32:00.001-08:00

The Bengals have experienced a certain amount of success at Heinz Field over the years (at least as compared to the games played in Cincinnati). But I like Pittsburgh’s chances today, though I don’t necessarily believe the Steelers will cover the 6.5 point spread. Bengals fans have good reason to be optimistic about their club’s future, as rookie QB Andy Dalton and rookie WR A.J. Green have the potential to be stars for years to come. But I’m not sure that Dalton has what it takes to defeat Ben Roethlisberger and Co. at Heinz Field, where the Steelers’ defense has been very, very good for most of the season. I’m giving the Steelers a 60 percent chance of victory.

Prediction-wise, 6-2 thus far in 2011; 65-28 all-time.

Chiefs: What are the Chances...?

2011-11-27T11:50:00.001-08:00

The Steelers are a ten-point favorite at Kansas City tonight—and deservedly so. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the toughest venues for a visiting team, but with Tyler Palko at QB and numerous key players lost for the season due to injury, it’s difficult to imagine the 4-6 Chiefs coming away with a win against Pittsburgh. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyle Orton makes an appearance in relief for Kansas City if Palko struggles, as can be expected. I’m not confident the Steelers will cover the spread, but I’m assigning Pitt a 75 percent chance of victory.

Prediction success rate in 2011? 5-2 thus far (missed a couple games); 64-28 all-time.

Bengals: What are the Chances...?

2011-11-13T08:16:00.001-08:00

Pittsburgh has won nine of its last ten games at Cincinnati, and are favored by three points today. The key to the game might be whether the Steelers can force rookie QB Andy Dalton into making mistakes, if not game-changing turnovers. Being that it’s very, very windy today in Cincinnati, that could allow the Steelers defense to play closer to the line of scrimmage, which ought to play into Pittsburgh’s hands against the Bengals’ mostly conservative offense. Most likely, Pittsburgh will need to hold Cincinnati’s offense under 21 points or so, because the Steelers’ inconsistent O isn’t likely to score many more than that against Cincy’s stout defense. Historically, the Bengals have had difficulty handling success — and though maybe they aren’t far enough along to be considered successful — I still believe the Steelers will find a way to win today.

Cardinals: What are the Chances...?

2011-10-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

The Steelers’ performances on the road thus far in 2011 have ranged from downright awful to barely adequate. So it’s something of a surprise that the Steelers are a four-point favorite at Arizona -- against a Cardinals team that has been competitive in all its games but one (a blowout loss two weeks ago at Minnesota). Of course, Arizona has the home-field advantage, and has also had two weeks to prepare, as the Cards are coming off a bye. So it would not surprise me if Arizona pulled off an upset, especially when one considers that Pittsburgh has shown a propensity for turning the ball over when away from home. It probably doesn’t help that the Cardinals’ coaches are intimately familiar with the Steelers’ schemes and much of their personnel. Yet the Steelers have been trending positive, while the Cards have been moving in the wrong direction. So the pick is the Steelers.

What are the Chances…? is 4-2 in 2011 and 63-28 all-time.

Jaguars: What are the Chances...?

2011-10-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Steelers are a 12-point favorite against the struggling 1-4 Jaguars. Colt McCoy's first game against the Steelers aside, Pittsburgh usually makes life difficult for rookie QB's - and Blaine Gabbert's experience should be no different. Though Gabbert has tremendous upside, I doubt we'll see a strong performance from him today. The pick is Pittsburgh, though I don't necessarily believe the Steelers will cover the spread.

What are the Chances is 3-2 thus far in 2011 and 62-28 all-time.

Titans: What are the Chances...?

2011-10-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Steelers are a three-point favorite against the Titans — surprising, considering how well Tennessee has fared this season and how shaky the Steelers have been. Pittsburgh’s problems are now compounded by the rash of injuries that have hit the team. Of course, Ben Roethlisberger’s foot is the most significant. Even if Big Ben plays on Sunday, one wonders how effective he will be while hobbling around behind his makeshift, banged up offensive line. And with James Harrison out of the lineup the Steelers will be without one their two big playmakers on defense. Perhaps Pittsburgh will be reinvigorated by its home crowd, but I wouldn’t count on it.

I do like the fact that the Steelers have brought back Big Max (Max Starks) to protect Big Ben’s blind side, though it seems like a daunting challenge for him to go from being unemployed on Monday to starting left tackle on Sunday. But Starks has come back from being out of favor before. Let’s hope he can do it this season, too.

At any rate, I’m picking the Titans to win. What are the Chances is 3-1 thus far in 2011 and 62-27 all-time.

Texans: What are the Chances...?

2011-10-01T19:23:00.001-07:00

The Steelers are a 3.5 point underdog against the Texans, and deservedly so. The Texans have the kind of talent on their defensive line that may further expose the Steelers’ weak and banged up offensive line. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Texans have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and could potentially gouge Pittsburgh’s run defense, which has been porous more often than not thus far this year. Bottom line: I like the Texans to win this one.

What are the Chances is 2-1 thus far in 2011 and 61-27 all-time.

Tomlin challenged when it comes to challenges

2011-09-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve been saying for years that Mike Tomlin is not nearly as good an in-game coach as Bill Cowher and one reason is his use (or lack of use) of challenges. Example: In tonight’s game, on the fourth quarter drive in which the Colts drove 80 yards to tie the score at 20-20, the Colts appeared to be stopped just short on a third down play at the 30-yard-line. But Indy got a favorable spot and was awarded a first down. In my opinion, that seemed a good time to throw the challenge flag, as a (likely) successful challenge would have left the Colts with fourth and inches. Instead, the Colts built momentum and went on to score.

Sure, the Colts would likely have converted on fourth down, but I like putting the other team in a convert-or-lose situation any time I can. Especially when a still-wobbly Curtis Painter is the other team’s QB. Little-noticed missteps like these lead to losses; fortunately the Steelers escaped with a win tonight.

Colts: What are the Chances...?

2011-09-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

It seems the main way the game can go wrong tonight at Indianapolis is if the Steelers’ tackles can’t slow down Colts DE’s Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, a not unlikely scenario considering that Pittsburgh’s OT’s are Jonathan Scott and rookie Marcus Gilbert. It could be that the Steelers will run the ball more than usual, especially early on, in hopes of avoiding the kind of negative plays that might energize the hometown crowd.

On the other side of the ball, the Colts’ scheme is the kind that can give Pittsburgh problems, and with four quality receivers — Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and tight end Dallas Clark — the Steelers don’t have the cover guys to shut down such a diverse attack. But Kerry Collins isn’t what he used to be, and hasn’t looked particularly good thus far in 2011, faced with the task of adapting to an offense designed for Peyton Manning.

I’m not sure if the Steelers will cover the 10.5 point spread, but I think that Pittsburgh will win. What Are the Chances…? is 1-1 in 2011 and 60-27 all-time.

Seahawks: What are the Chances…?

2011-09-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Steelers are a 14-point favorite against the Seahawks, a shocking large number considering the Steelers’ performance in week one. But if the Steelers play with the emotion and intensity that was missing last week versus Baltimore, they might very well cover. The Steelers should be able to make big plays in the passing game, and it’s hard to imagine Seattle QB Tavaris Jackson exploiting the Steelers’ D. Expect a double-digit victory for Pittsburgh. And if it doesn’t transpire, then there will be cause for concern going forward.

What are the Chances is 0-1 in 2011, but 59-27 all-time.

Ravens: What are the Chances...?

2011-09-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

The Ravens are a slight favorite over the Steelers in today's season opener, a minor surprise considering the recent history between the teams. In all likelihood this game will come down to which team does the best job of protecting its quarterback, as both Baltimore and Pittsburgh are expected to struggle with pass protection this season. Historically, Roethlisberger has played exceptionally well in week one games and the Steelers have more weapons in the passing game, which is why I like Pittsburgh to come away with a win - 55 percent chance.

Entering the 2011 season What are the Chances is 59-26 all-time.

Sun columnist Preston refers to Roethlisberger as ‘Drama Queen’

2011-09-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

In a Sept. 4 post, Baltimore Sun sports columnist Mike Preston asks Where is the Drama Queen? – a reference to Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger, who he says, always leaves us wondering whether he’ll play. “If it ain't his arm, it's his knee. If it ain't his knee, it's his ankle. It it ain't his ankle, it's a fingernail,” writes Preston, who ain’t in the business of writing eloquently, and apparently doesn't recall that Big Ben played most of the 2010 season with multiple broken bones, including a broken foot.

Perhaps Preston is just sore that Roethlisberger has been a “Raven Killer” (as the longtime columnist freely admits). But if he’s wondering why there hasn’t yet been any drama regarding Big Ben’s health, it’s because it’s only week one. In other words, Roethlisberger hasn’t yet had the opportunity to play behind his subpar offensive line, which hasn’t been able to keep from suffering an inordinate number of hits and sacks in recent seasons. But don’t fret, Mr. Preston, by the time the Steelers meet the Ravens again on Nov. 6, Roethlisberger’s injuries will once again be fodder for columnists like yourself.

2011 Steelers Schedule

2011-04-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept. 11 at Baltimore 1 p.m CBS
Sunday, Sept. 18 SEATTLE 1 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Sept. 25 at Indianapolis 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Oct. 2 at Houston 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 9 TENNESSEE 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 16 JACKSONVILLE 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 23 at Arizona 4:05 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Oct. 30 NEW ENGLAND 4:15 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 6 BALTIMORE 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Nov. 13 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. CBS
Sunday, Nov. 20 Bye
Sunday, Nov. 27* at Kansas City 8:20 p.m. NBC
Sunday, Dec. 4* CINCINNATI 1 p.m. CBS
Thursday, Dec. 8 CLEVELAND 8:20 p.m. NFL Network/KDKA
Monday, Dec. 19 at San Francisco 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 24* ST. LOUIS 1 p.m. FOX
Sunday, Jan. 1* at Cleveland 1 p.m. CBS

Packers: What are the Chances...?

2011-02-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

The Packers are the favorite in today’s Super Bowl, and with good reason. Green Bay has a huge advantage in terms of its front seven versus Pittsburgh’s injury depleted offensive line (which will include just one opening day starter). Meanwhile, the fact that the game is indoors also favors the Packers and their precision passing game. The Steelers will need to put an exceptional amount of pressure on Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers—otherwise Pittsburgh’s secondary figures to get carved up ten and fifteen yards at a time. Still, it’s difficult to bet against Ben Roethlisberger, who seems to have a knack for finding a way to win games—especially post-season games. My pick is the same as my pick from two years ago—Steelers have a 52 percent chance of winning.

Jets: What are the Chances...?

2011-01-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today’s AFC Championship game at Heinz Field is a little like last week’s divisional playoff in that the Jets — much like the Ravens — have a better roster top to bottom than the Steelers. But Pittsburgh again appears to have the advantage at the QB position, a not insignificant differential. Certainly the Steelers should benefit from having the services of Troy Polamalu and Heath Miller in this rematch, as their replacements played poorly in the December game against New York.

The oddsmakers have the Steelers as a four-point favorite, which sounds about right to me. I’m giving Pittsburgh a 60 percent chance today, hoping to build on my 11-5 prediction record this season (59-25 all-time).

Ravens: What are the Chances…?

2011-01-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Steelers may be a 3.5 point favorite in tomorrow’s divisional playoff, but the game is really a pick ‘em proposition. In my estimation, the Ravens (13-4) have the better team, but the Steelers (12-4) have a potentially significant edge at quarterback. And while the Steelers are well rested, the Ravens may have the advantage early in the game, as Baltimore’s offense is more likely to be in rhythm. But offensive line play figures to be the key to the game, as mistakes in pass protection are likely to lead to stalled drives and/or turnovers. Crowd noise could be more of a factor than it usually is at Heinz Field, thanks to the temporary bleacher seats behind the end zone in the open end of the stadium (installed by the NHL for the Winter Classic). I like the Steelers – but just barely, assigning them a 52 percent chance of victory.

My track record for predictions: 10-5 this year, 58-25 all-time.

Browns: What are the Chances...?

2011-01-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Last year aside, the Steelers have historically experienced a lot of success at Cleveland—and today’s game should be no different. Browns rookie QB Colt McCoy demonstrated great poise and put up solid numbers in the game at Pittsburgh (in his first NFL start, no less), but the Steelers defense might fare better this time, as there’s now enough game tape on McCoy to create a game plan designed to exploit his weaknesses. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Steelers failed to cover the five-point spread, but I estimate that Pittsburgh has a 70 percent chance of winning, thereby earning a #2 seed in the AFC.

What are the Chances…? is 9-5 this season and 57-25 all-time.

Three Steelers make Pro Bowl, Wallace snubbed

2010-12-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

Announced today: Three Pittsburgh Steelers made the Pro Bowl, with linebacker James Harrison, safety Troy Polamalu, and rookie center Maurkice Pouncey getting the nod. Perhaps the most notable Steeler who missed out on being selected was second-year wide receiver Mike Wallace, who has emerged as Pittsburgh's #1 wideout, averaging
20.2 yards per catch, with 1,152 yards and nine touchdown catches.

Panthers: What are the Chances...?

2010-12-23T13:20:00.001-08:00

The Panthers are a two-touchdown underdog against the Steelers - the widest pointstread vs. Pittsburgh that I can remember. And truth be told, the Steelers should win easily, even without Troy Polamalu's big plays. The Panthers don't figure to score a lot of points with rookie QB Jimmy Clausen at the controls. After all, Clausen averages just 5.4 yards per attempt and has the league's lowest passer rating (59.1). So one can expect the Steelers to focus on shutting down Carolina's powerful running game, leaving the game in Clausen's hands. I give the Steelers an 85 percent chance of winning this game, as unless Pittsburgh's offense turns the ball over repeatedly, the Steelers ought to win pulling away.

I forgot to make a prediction on the Jets game, so I'm 8-5 in 2010. And 56-25 all-time.

Steelers lose to Jets, qualify for playoffs

2010-12-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

Despite losing to the New York Jets 22-17 at Heinz Field earlier today, the Steelers clinched a wildcard playoff spot based on a tiebreaker that would go their way on strength of schedule.

The Steelers can still win the AFC North and would earn a No. 2 seed if they win their last two games (Carolina, at Cleveland).

Bengals: What are the Chances...?

2010-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Steelers are an 8.5 point favorite over the Bengals, but Steelers' fans aren't feeling too comfortable, despite Cincinnati's 2-10 record. Pittsburgh nearly blew a big lead in the first meeting before barely escaping with a 27-21 win. And the Steelers have a history of struggling against Cincy at Heinz Field, losing in 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2003. Between the weather (rain in the forecast), Ben Roethlisberger's injuries, and Cincy's struggles defending the run, I'm expecting the Steelers to go with a run-heavy attack ... and find a way to pull out a win, and perhaps secure a playoff berth this week. Steelers: 60 percent chance.

What are the Chances is a mediocre 7-5 thus far in 2010, but 55-25 all-time.

Ravens: What are the Chances...?

2010-12-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Steelers are a three-point underdog tonight on the road vs. the Ravens. While it figures to be a close game (the past 7 meetings have been decided by a total of 31 points, including 2 OT games), I'd estimate that Pittsburgh has just a 45 percent chance of winning. Though the broken bone in Ben Roethlisberger's foot could hinder his effectiveness, it's the Steelers' banged-up offensive line that is most likely to compromise Pittsburgh's chances.

What are the Chances...? is 7-4 thus far in 2010, and 55-24 all-time.

Bills: What are the Chances...?

2010-11-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Steelers are a 6.5 point favorite over the Bills, which sounds about right to me. Pittsburgh has lost just once to Buffalo since a 24-3 home playoff loss in 1992, Bill Cowher's first year as head coach. The Bills have been very competitive over the past five weeks, and have won two games in a row (over Detroit and Cincinnati). But the Steelers figure to be a tougher foe, though Pittsburgh could stumble if it can't contain Buffalo's passing game, led by emerging WR Steve Johnson.

I'm giving the Steelers a 60 percent chance of victory. What are the Chances...? is 6-4 thus far this season and 54-24 all-time.

Raiders: What are the Chances...?

2010-11-21T07:31:00.001-08:00

I was wrong about the outcome of the New England game, completely underestimating how vulnerable the Steelers' pass defense is against the Patriots' offense. As a result, my record this season drops to 5-4 (53-24 all-time). Yet I still have confidence in this team, and expect the Steelers to win today, though I think the line (Steelers as 7.5 point favorites) gives Pittsburgh too much credit, especially considering Pitt's recent history against the Silver and Black. In other words, I'm expecting Mike Tomlin & Co. to surprise in a good way, and therefore giving Pittsburgh a 60 percent chance of winning.

Hopefully the Steelers won't blow a late lead, as the Jets did 42 years ago against Oakland - a game now known as the Heidi Game.