The last time the Steelers played the Seahawks, Russell Wilson threw for 300 yards, and Ben Roethlisberger left the game with a season-ending injury.
Now it’s Wilson facing a long-term injury, and Roethlisberger is coming off his best season game.
Seattle Seahawks
The last time someone other than Russell Wilson started at quarterback for Seattle was in 2011. And that was only because Wilson was still in college in 2011. Since coming into the league, he has started 149 of a possible 149 games, but that streak ends on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Geno Smith is experienced, and it showed as he played well in relief of Wilson in Week 5. But with Smith under center, this becomes a much more plodding offensive team. Perhaps that plays well with Pete Carroll’s desire to run the ball, but as fans, we will miss the deep ball of Wilson to a streaking Tyler Lockett or D.K. Metcalf.
As for Carroll’s love of running the ball, there is a hiccup. Chris Carson is uncertain to play this week as he continues to deal with a long-term neck issue. Although reportedly, it did take a turn for the better in the last few days.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5)
No offense intended to Ben Roethlisberger – he is a two-time Super Bowl champion – but at this point is really playing that much better than Geno Smith?
Remove JuJu Smith-Schuster from the equation since he is now out for the season after surgery on his shoulder, and the Pittsburgh offense is just as handicapped as the Seahawks. Although he finally saw the potential of first-round pick Najee Harris as he went off on the Broncos defense. He nearly doubled his season-high with 122 yards on 23 carries.
We know the Pittsburgh defense will come to play and enjoy the matchup against a backup quarterback like Smith. The question marks are on offense, and if Harris can step up once again, considering the deficiencies of the passing game.
Also, who steps into the role vacated by Smith-Schuster? Mike Tomlin says several players will replace him, but Pittsburgh needs to see the biggest jump with fourth-year wide receiver James Washington. He has just nine catches for 99 yards in 2021.
Betting Pick
Steelers (-4.5)
The Seahawks dropped a full three games out of first place last week and are now facing a possible eight weeks without Russell Wilson. On the road at Pittsburgh, and staring at the bleak reality that their season is already over, expect a letdown.
Seattle has had a hard time stopping anyone this season, and that will breathe enough life into a spotty Steelers offense to get it done. Pittsburgh wins this game by a touchdown.
Under 42.5
The Steelers have played two games this season that went under 40 points, and they hit the under a total of four times in 2021. Seattle has also hit the under four times, and it will become five times this week for both teams.