Pittsburgh Steelers vs N.y. Giants Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Steelers march into Monday matchup with misfiring Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a decisive win and are ready to take on the New York Giants in this Monday night’s primetime showdown. After an explosive 37-15 victory last week in Russell Wilson’s debut as their new starting quarterback, the Steelers (5-2) are eager to continue their momentum. On the other hand, the Giants (2-5) face a crucial test after a tough two-game losing streak and persistent struggles on offense.

Steelers’ Offensive Spark with Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh’s offense has come to life with Wilson at the helm, marking their highest-scoring game in nearly three years. Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion, threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-29 passing, adding another score on the ground. His performance against the Jets was a return to form after missing the first six games due to a calf injury, and he looks set to continue as the Steelers’ offensive leader.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has been tight-lipped about Justin Fields’ role after Wilson’s arrival, refusing to officially confirm any permanent change. However, Tomlin’s confidence in Wilson was clear as he emphasized Wilson’s role in practice reps this week, saying, “He’s scheduled to take first-team reps, and we’ll see where the week leads us.”

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Najee Harris Powers the Ground Game

Complementing Wilson’s aerial attack is running back Najee Harris, who has been on a hot streak with 100-plus rushing yards and a touchdown in back-to-back games. His powerful running style has worn down defenses, and teammate Patrick Queen notes that no one relishes taking on Harris for four quarters, saying, “Nobody wants to tackle you… Nobody wants to deal with that for four quarters.”

Giants Seek Offensive Solutions Amid Scoring Woes

The Giants have struggled offensively, scoring just 10 points in their past two games. Despite this, co-owner John Mara reassured fans that there would be no changes in the team’s leadership, expressing confidence in head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen for the remainder of the season.

Quarterback Daniel Jones, who managed only 99 passing yards last week in a 28-3 loss to the Eagles, remains the starter despite being pulled late in the game. Jones is focused on moving past the disappointment, acknowledging that the entire team needs to perform better, himself included. “We all got to play better; I got to play better, and that’s what I’m focusing on,” he remarked.

Rising Giants Talent in Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson

While the Giants’ offense has struggled, rookie receiver Malik Nabers offers a bright spot. Returning from a concussion last week, Nabers managed four receptions for 41 yards. In five games, he has already accumulated 427 yards and three touchdowns, marking him as a critical piece of the Giants’ offensive future. Wan’Dale Robinson, ranking fifth in the league for receptions, complements Nabers with a consistent presence, although he has yet to make substantial gains in yardage.

Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin is well aware of the challenge Nabers poses, noting that “He attacks the ball when it’s in the air and makes those competitive plays.”

Defensive Stalwarts on Both Sides: Dexter Lawrence and T.J. Watt

The Giants have leaned on their defense to keep them competitive, and one of the standout players is Dexter Lawrence II, the league leader in sacks with nine. However, Lawrence’s hip injury leaves his status in question. Head coach Brian Daboll praised Lawrence as “unbelievable” and integral to their defensive efforts.

Meanwhile, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has been a powerhouse this season, with 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. His impact was acknowledged by Daboll, who called Watt “one of the best players in the league.” Given that the Giants’ offensive line ranks third in allowed sacks this season, Watt could have a significant opportunity to disrupt New York’s game plan.

Injury Reports: Depth Concerns for Both Teams

Both teams have notable injury concerns. For the Giants, defensive linemen like Dexter Lawrence II and other key defenders are dealing with injuries. The Steelers have several players, including star defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, limited in practice. The health of both squads will play a critical role in determining who has the depth to last through four quarters.

Key Matchup: Steelers’ Defense vs. Giants’ Passing Game

The Steelers’ defense ranks second in the NFL in points allowed, conceding just 14.4 points per game. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and shut down passing lanes will be essential, particularly given the Giants’ recent offensive struggles. If Watt and the Steelers’ pass rush can exploit the Giants’ O-line weaknesses, New York could have a tough time finding any offensive rhythm.

Conclusion: Steelers in the Driver’s Seat

The Steelers enter this matchup with clear momentum, driven by Russell Wilson’s successful integration into the offense and a defense that has stymied opponents. The Giants, by contrast, are in a period of reevaluation, facing tough choices on how to revitalize their offense and overcome a depleted lineup. Pittsburgh’s consistency and balanced offensive attack position them as the favorites in this Monday night contest, though the Giants will need to dig deep to overcome their recent setbacks.

The stakes are high for both teams, and with strong performances on both ends of the field, fans are set for an exciting game.

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