News Steelers Team Notes

Steelers vs. Bills: Week 13 staff picks

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The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 13 with an opportunity to reclaim first place in the AFC North. After the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh holds the division lead as it stands, but it will give it right back to Baltimore with a loss. Can they defeat the Buffalo Bills at home? Our staff weighs in.

Mike Nicastro: The Steelers and Bills find themselves in very similar situations entering the home stretch. Both teams are trending in opposite directions at the wrong time of year. Plenty of that has to do with injuries.

On Sunday, the Bills will be missing both of their starting tackles, along with their captain linebacker Terrel Bernard, to name a few. The Steelers will be without Broderick Jones and Derrick Harmon, but Aaron Rodgers is set to return from a left wrist fracture. How effective he will be is anyone’s guess.

I’d anticipate a heavy dose of QB power runs from Buffalo, and James Cook should have his way with a leaky defensive line. The Steelers will also likely have success on the ground against a banged up Bills front.

It feels like Josh Allen will have to be Superman for the Bills to pull this game out on the road. The good news for Buffalo?

He is.

This feels like a true coin toss, and when in doubt, go with the star quarterback. Bills 24, Steelers 21.

Ryan Parish: It’s a must-win for the Steelers. Baltimore dropping a game against Cincinnati was exactly the break the Steelers needed. On paper, the Steelers’ run game should fare well against a Buffalo defense that has struggled against the run all year.

Still, this Steelers team doesn’t instill a lot of faith, and I don’t think we should be too upset if their struggles lead to a better draft pick. Buffalo 31, Pittsburgh 20.

Joey Bray: The Bills will be without both of their starting tackles in this game. These are the games you would expect your highly paid edge rushers to dominate. Alex Highsmith is back in the lineup, and we should expect both him and T.J. Watt to have massive days.

Aaron Rodgers will start for Pittsburgh after missing last week, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about a 41-year-old playing with a fractured left wrist. The Bills’ defense has been largely uninspiring this season, so I have a little bit of faith that the offense can at least put up its averages.

The key to the game will obviously be Josh Allen. The Steelers’ highest-paid defensive unit will get another test against one of the most talented quarterbacks the game has ever seen. Ultimately, I can’t trust the Steelers right now with their all-around struggles, plus a quarterback with a fractured wrist. Bills 35, Steelers 24.

Ryland Bickley: This Bills team isn’t as formidable as years past, and I’d also argue the Steelers are a bit better than everyone seems to think following last week’s loss to the Bears.

The Pittsburgh ground game should be able to get something going against a poor Buffalo rushing defense, but Josh Allen and James Cook are on the other side of the ball. I have the Bills winning this one, 27-20.

Alex Hanczar: Lots of variables coming into this game, including injuries to the Bills’ O-line, injuries all around for the Steelers, and massive playoff implications

Despite a missed opportunity in Chicago last week, the Steelers once again hold fate in their hands as they prepare for the ultra-talented Buffalo squad. While they may not resemble the powerhouse ball club of years past, everyone knows what you’re getting when you play Josh Allen and the Bills: a strong pass game, a stellar run game, and a stingy defense.

With Baltimore’s loss on Thursday, Pittsburgh can jump back into the driver’s seat of the AFC North. It is never easy with a foe that includes the reigning MVP and co. However, I do believe the Steelers are up for the task with massive levels of importance for the 4:25 kick. Steelers, 27, Bills, 26.

Austin Bechtold: I don’t feel good about this game at all, despite Buffalo missing both its tackles. The Steelers and Bills are two fairly even teams, except at quarterback. Having Aaron Rodgers back will certainly help, but questions remain about whether they can protect him with Jones out.

The Bills have the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL, and the Steelers are missing Derrick Harmon. This game is going to be close, and I think the winner will go to the playoffs, but it won’t be the Steelers on Sunday, with Josh Allen being the biggest difference. Bills 24, Steelers 21.

Jarrett Bailey: When you have low expectations, it’s much more difficult to be disappointed. The Bills have two players that can hurt you – Josh Allen and James Cook. And while both of Buffalo’s starting tackles are out with injury, I fully expect Buffalo to have a run-heavy attack to take the load off Allen.

The Steelers aren’t Tennessee Titans bad, but they certainly aren’t in the echelon of teams that matter. This won’t be a blowout, but the result will never be in question. Bills 24, Steelers 17.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-week-13-staff-picks-josh-allen-aaron-rodgers
 
Week 13 Sunday tailgate and early game open thread: Steelers vs. Bills

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The Steelers will host the Bills this afternoon with the late, 4:25 p.m. EST kickoff time on CBS. Until then, feel free to hang out at BTSC this Sunday morning and enjoy the early afternoon games.

There’s only four matchups at the 1 p.m. EST Sunday time slot this week following a Thanksgiving tripleheader and another game played on Black Friday.

Week 13 NFL early games slate​

  • Saints at Dolphins
  • Texans at Colts
  • 49ers at Browns
  • Rams at Panthers

You can check out the all-important broadcast map on 506 Sports.

As always, let us know what games you’ll be watching, who you’re rooting for, what you’ll be watching for, and who you have in fantasy.

Let’s have a great Week 13!
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-and-early-game-open-thread-steelers-vs-bills
 
Steelers open as heavy underdogs to Ravens in Week 14

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 6-6, and the road doesn’t get any smoother in the immediate future. Pittsburgh will travel to Baltimore in Week 14 to take on the Ravens in the first of two matchups between the AFC North rivals. Considering how poorly Pittsburgh has played, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the Steelers are heavy underdogs for this game.

Per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Steelers are 6.5-point underdogs to the Ravens – a place they were beaten by a combined 31 points in two games in Baltimore last year, losing 34-17 in the regular season and 28-14 in the wild card round.

The Ravens are coming off a loss of their own to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night, and their quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has gone three games without scoring a touchdown. Both teams are 6-6 entering the game, and the loser will have their playoff hopes put in the ground.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-open-as-heavy-underdogs-to-ravens-in-week-14
 
Giants at Patriots: Week 13 Monday Night Football game thread

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It’s a battle between two young quarterbacks to close out the NFL’s Week 13 as the Patriots and Drake Maye host the Giants and rookie passer Jaxson Dart.

The Giants are 2-10, finishing out the season after firing head coach Brian Daboll. The Patriots, meanwhile, have returned as one of the top teams in the NFL, sitting at 10-2 with Maye looking like an MVP candidate.

Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. EST on ESPN.

As always, who are you rooting for? What are you watching for? Have anyone in fantasy? Let us know in the comments!
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ots-week-13-monday-night-football-game-thread
 
Patrick Queen fires back at criticism from former Steelers Super Bowl champion

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It was a complete and total team failure for the ages for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday as they fell to the Buffalo Bills 26-7. It was the worst performance defending the run for the Steelers in the last 50 years. You heard that right, the 249 rushing yards they conceded to Buffalo were the most that Pittsburgh has given up in a game in the last five decades.

Linebacker Patrick Queen was injured during the contest, and although it is not expected to be a long-term injury, Queen’s frustration was very clear after the game. He took to X to respond to some criticism that he was facing.

Never was a pro bowler or all pro but get on here yappin . Got carried your whole career back n forth from the bench stfu!

— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) December 1, 2025
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Queen did not hold back in his statement, and although he is not directly addressing anyone in his tweet, fans quickly found that he was indeed referring to this tweet from former Steelers offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Trai Essex.

He’s hurt, but I’m over the Patrick Queen experiment. Simply put, he’s not a Steelers LB. He’s not Farrior. He’s not Timmons. He’s not Shazier. He doesn’t play with that disposition. We missed on that signing. And for our main rival to let him leave, shoulda been a sign.

— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) November 30, 2025
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It’s safe to say that Queen has left a lot to be desired after signing a massive 41 million dollar deal with the Steelers in 2024. However, the defense as a whole is struggling mightily, and the linebacker is clearly fed up with the outside noise from former players and fans.

Just now seeing Queen’s comment. If they are about me, I have 0 issues with it. If you give like I did, you gotta be able to take. He told no lies about my career.

— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) December 1, 2025
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Essex handles the clap back from Queen well here, even joking at his own playing career. Everything that could go wrong for the Steelers defensively seems to be going wrong right now, and those frustrations are now leaking onto social media for all to see.

The Steelers will need all the help they can get defensively from Queen and the rest of the roster as they have a date with the Baltimore Ravens this weekend for sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

Was Queen right to take to X and call out Essex? I’ll let you be the judge. Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments below!
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...cism-from-former-steelers-super-bowl-champion
 
Steelers sign Asante Samuel Jr. to 53-man roster, shuffle practice squad Tuesday

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After releasing veteran cornerback Darius Slay on Tuesday, the Steelers have bolstered their defensive back depth.

The team announced the signing of cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, as well as the signing of cornerback Daequan Hardy to the practice squad.

The team also released wide receiver Cornell Powell from the practice squad.

Samuel signed with the Steelers’ practice squad on Nov. 12. He was temporarily elevated to the active roster in Pittsburgh’s Sunday loss to the Bills, replacing James Pierre as a starting cornerback after Pierre was injured. Samuel played over Darius Slay, who was a healthy scratch against Buffalo before his release Tuesday.

Samuel played 28 defensive snaps and recorded three total tackles against Buffalo. Now, he finds himself officially signed to the Steelers’ roster.

Replacing Samuel on the practice squad will be Hardy, who had a short stint with Pittsburgh in November. Here’s what we wrote about him when he first signed:

Hardy was a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills out of Penn State. He’s yet to appear in an NFL game. As a Nittany Lion, he recorded 22 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes defensed in his final season. The 5’9, 178-pound cornerback ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
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Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...el-jr-to-active-roster-shuffle-practice-squad
 
Ben Roethlisberger says Mike Tomlin should leave Steelers for Penn State

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The calls for the Pittsburgh Steelers to move on from Mike Tomlin are louder than they have ever been. Fans chanting “Fire Tomlin” at the end of the Steelers’ 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills encapsulated the frustration that has finally boiled over after years of mediocrity. But it’s not just fans and media saying it’s time for a change, it’s former players, as well – including Ben Roethlisberger.

On the latest episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the two-time Super Bowl champion discussed if it was time to move on.

Maybe it’s time,” Roethlisberger said. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. But maybe it’s best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. ”

Roethlisberger then suggests that Tomlin leave the Steelers, but stay in Pennsylvania to become the head coach at Penn State.

“Go be Penn State’s head coach,” Roethlisberger said. “You know what he would do at Penn State? He’d probably go win national championships. Because he’s a great recruiter.”

Whether or not this is something Tomlin would consider, it would almost certainly be something that Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft would sign up for, considering that just about every coaching candidate for the Nittany Lions used the job opening as leverage to get more money from their current universities or were hired elsewhere.

Tomlin has been connected to college jobs before, including LSU and USC back in 2021, which he shot down.

“Hey guys, I don’t have time for that speculation,” Tomlin said via Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz. “That’s a joke to me. I have one of the best jobs in all of professional sport. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football? That will be the last time I address it – not only today, but moving forward.”

Four years later, will Tomlin entertain a college job?

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...steelers-for-penn-state-buffalo-bills-lsu-usc
 
2 former Steelers advance in Hall of Fame process

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Steelers legend L.C. Greenwood is the closest he’s ever been to a gold jacket following the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Wednesday announcement of 2026 finalists.

Greenwood was named one of three finalists from the “seniors” category, joining Ken Anderson and Roger Craig. Two other finalists were announced: Robert Kraft (contributor) and Bill Belichick (coach).

Greenwood, a defensive end, played 170 career games and recorded 78 sacks during his time with the Steelers, winning four Super Bowls as a key member of Pittsburgh’s 1970s dynasty. He was a two-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the Hall of Fame’s own All-1970s team.

Greenwood died in 2013 at the age of 67. He was posthumously enshrined in the inaugural class of the Steelers’ Hall of Honor in 2017.

Another former Steeler still eligible for the 2026 class is wide receiver Hines Ward, who remains among the 26 remaining modern era finalists. You can read the full list here.

Ward, famous for his blocking prowess as well as his receiving ability, won two Super Bowls (including a Super Bowl MVP) during his time in Pittsburgh, adding four Pro Bowls and over 12,000 career receiving yards.

Currently the wide receivers coach at Arizona State, Ward retired from the NFL in 2012.

While there will still be announcements narrowing the field of modern-era candidates, the official 2026 Hall of Fame class will be announced Feb. 5. Per the hall’s rules, the class will feature four to eight individuals picked from the field of candidates of all categories.
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...nes-ward-canton-news-history-1970s-class-2026
 
Steelers injury report: T.J. Watt doesn’t practice Wednesday

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Four Steelers didn’t participate due to injury in Pittsburgh’s Wednesday practice report.

Those players included linebacker Patrick Queen (glute), quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist), outside linebacker T.J. Watt (toe), and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee).

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin already ruled Harmon out for Sunday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Limited on the Steelers injury report were wide receiver Ben Skowronek (shoulder), cornerback James Pierre (concussion), swing tackle Calvin Anderson (knee), and cornerback Donte Kent (ankle/knee), who started his 21-day window to return from injured reserve on Wednesday.

The Ravens’ practice report was less extensive, but includes two notable names being limited due to injury: quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle), and cornerback Nate Wiggins (foot).

You can read the full reports, via Steelers.com, below:

Wednesday, December 3

WR DK Metcalf (NIR – Rest) – Limited
S Jalen Ramsey (NIR – Rest) – DNP
LB Patrick Queen (Glute) – DNP
QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) – DNP
WR Ben Skowronek (Shoulder) – Limited
* CB Donte Kent (Ankle/Knee) – Limited
CB James Pierre (Concussion) – Limited
OL Calvin Anderson (Knee) – Limited
LB T.J. Watt (Toe) – DNP
DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) – DNP

*in the 21-day window designated to return from IR

Baltimore Ravens Participation/Injury Report, Week 14

Wednesday, December 3

WR Rashod Bateman (Ankle) – Full
QB Lamar Jackson (Ankle) – Limited
OLB Tavius Robinson (Foot) – Limited
WR Devontez Walker (Groin) – Full
* S Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles) – Limited
CB Nate Wiggins (Foot) – Limited

*in the 21-day window designated to return from IR
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ury-report-t-j-watt-doesnt-practice-wednesday
 
Cowboys at Lions: Thursday Night Football open thread

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Week 14 starts tonight with an NFC battle with serious playoff implications: the Cowboys are traveling to Ford Field to take on the Lions. Both are contenders for the NFC wildcard spot, and the loser may fall out of contention.

Dak won’t have to go out on a Lamb to have his Pickens of star receivers to throw to. The Lions hope their QB Goes OFF, but may not have his sun godly receiver Amon Ra St. Brown to run routes.

What are your predictions for tonight’s game? Join your fellow Steelers fans in the comments for the first open thread of the week. 8:15 p.m. EST on Prime Video and Twitch.
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...-at-lions-thursday-night-football-open-thread
 
Steelers weekly mailbag: Week 14 callout

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The first snowfall of the year arrived in Pittsburgh this week, marking the beginning of the end of the NFL regular season – it always passes by way too quickly.

With the Pittsburgh Steelers walking the line of AFC North leader and missing the playoffs altogether, it will make for a stressful final month, so take a bit of a load off and hop into this week’s mailbag by submitting a question. It’s a fun little conversation we all have every Saturday, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be football-related. Return tomorrow for the mailbag and to have your questions answered.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...63222/steelers-weekly-mailbag-week-14-callout
 
Friday Night Happy Hour: The In Between Edition

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Welcome back to BTSC’s Friday night open thread.

We’re at an interesting point of the calendar that sits between the Thanksgiving holiday and the December holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah. The Steelers also find themselves at a interesting period in the organizations history, as it feels like we’re rounding into the end of an era, where head coach Mike Tomlin might depart from the team after the season or at least at the end of his contract. With that in mind, here are this week’s questions:

  1. How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Did you travel? Did you play host? Did you keep it quiet and lowkey with a small group or by yourself?
  2. What are everyone’s December plans? Are some you traveling anywhere? Are there any traditions you hold each December?
  3. If the Steelers decided to hire a new coach and gave you the power to choose the hire, do you have a name in mind? Or a list of qualities you hope the next coach has? Bonus points if you name an OC and DC too. Or tell me why it still needs to be Mike Tomlin (and don’t just say cuz the Steelers don’t move on from coaches, this is a hypothetical not a prediction).
  4. Would you rather the Steelers beat the Ravens and make the playoffs this year, or are you hoping the Steelers struggles continue if it leads to staff changes and a higher draft pick?
  5. If you have an app for music that gives you one of those “Year in Review” reports, share what your top artists, songs, albums, and/or podcasts were!
  6. Song of the week: “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac

This song has started popping up in reels and video shorts everywhere lately, so now I’m passing that on to you.
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/general/163240/friday-night-happy-hour-the-in-between-edition
 
Steelers safety DeShon Elliott named NFLPA Community MVP

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On October 26th, Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott suffered a knee injury that could very well keep him off the field the rest of the season, but he isn’t letting that stop him from making headlines for his work and volunteerism off the field.

On Friday, Elliott was named the NFLPA Week Community MVP for his work in opening his very own food pantry known as the “Victory Vault.”

Week 14 #CommunityMVP: @OfficialShon_4 🏆

The @steelers DB opened the "Victory Vault,” a food pantry in @WoodlandHillsSD that will be fully stocked all year long with non-perishable items, school supplies, shoes and more. DeShon met with kids at the ribbon cutting and afterward,… pic.twitter.com/89IltV8KoY

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) December 5, 2025
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Over the holiday, Elliott attended the pantry ribbon-cutting and took time to speak with each family attending. The pantry will be a place for those in need residing in Pennsylvania’s Woodland Hills school district to stock up on food and clothes year-round. The safety also handed out Thanksgiving baskets to families who were unable to attend the ribbon-cutting last week.

“Pouring out to people means a lot to me, and hopefully it means a lot to the people I’m affecting,” Elliott said in a recent interview about his volunteerism.

Elliott has been an impact player for Pittsburgh since signing with the team in 2024. The veteran has been a vocal leader for the team and is clearly doing everything he can to make an impact in the city of Pittsburgh, even while recovering from an injury.

The pantry has the backing of local sponsors such as Giant Eagle and Hibbett Sports at Edgewood Town Centre to provide food and clothes. You can support Elliott and the “Victory Vault” by making a donation here.
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...fety-deshon-elliott-named-nflpa-community-mvp
 
Saturday Night Open Thread: Division by subtraction

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Live from Delaware, it’s Saturday Night! I, NAS204PSU, am here at BTSC to bring you this Saturday Night Open Thread (aka SNOT).

The AFCN is the only division without a team with a winning record, but that is likely to end this weekend. We travel to the Ravens for the first of 2 PIT-BAL games. Either team could have run away with the division, but neither has. Even with Lamar back, Baltimore hasn’t looked great, losing last week to the Bengals 32-14. Our Steelers offense failed to muster much against Buffalo. Seems like both are playing hot potato, trying to hand the AFCN lead back to who sucked the least.

This 5 pack of questions is here to get the conversation going, so let us know what you’re eating/drinking!

1: We floundered vs. the Bills and injuries continue to pile up on defense, Queen and Pierre went out vs. Baltimore, and Harmon, Dugger, and Donte Kent are out vs. Baltimore. (BJ and Calvin A are out for the offense). What percentage are injuries responsible for the poor defensive play in 2025?

2: Our run defense allowed 249 yards vs. the Bills and 186 yards vs. the Bears. Make a prediction for the amount of rush yards we allow vs the Ratbirds.

3: We paid DK Metcalf WR1 money, but so far has failed to live up to it: 45 rec / 75 targets, 605 yards, 5 TDs. Tell me a stat line vs. Baltimore DK would have to put up to give you faith he’s still got it.

4. We got a few snowflakes this week, and of course, my kids had a 2-hour delay for winter weather that never really showed up (IMO anyway). What is the weather like where you’re at?

5. My work is doing a voluntary White Elephant gift exchange. Last year I brought a Christmas Vacation Coffee Mug that was happy snagged up by one of the mechanics who loves RV-ing. What’s the best “tacky” gift (any occasion) you enjoyed giving or receiving?

BONUS Song Of The Night dedicated to the many disenfranchised Steelers fans (including myself): Fell on Black Days (Acoustic) by Soundgarden
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...day-night-open-thread-division-by-subtraction
 
AFC Playoff Picture: Pittsburgh Steelers hurdle into AFC North lead

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After their Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers are back in first place in the AFC North. It’s been a chaotic few weeks, for the playoff picture, with three losses in the last four games, but the Ravens’ 5-1 pace has been halted for now.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore play again in Week 18 in what could end up being an elimination game. Like the Steelers a week ago, the Ravens’ loss drops them compeltely out of the playoff picture.

At fourth, the Steelers’ wild card opponent would be the Buffalo Bills if things stayed the same as they are now. Buffalo beat the Bengals (thanks, Bills!) and the Indianapolis Colts lost to shift around the wild card teams. If the Chargers win in the late afternoon game, they move up to fifth.

The Colts lost more than the game as it was announced that QB Daniel Jones ruptured his Achilles. He will be done for the season.

The Denver Broncos won to move into first place past the idle New England Patriots on a tiebreaker. The Jacksonville Jaguars won to stay in third place in the AFC.

There is a huge game in the wild card picture on Sunday night — especially with the Jones news — as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans. The Chargers play Monday night.

AFC standings during Week 14​


1. Denver Broncos (11-2, 7-2 AFC)
2. New England Patriots (11-2, 6-2 AFC)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
5. Buffalo Bills (9-4)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
7. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
8. Houston Texans (7-5)
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6, 3-4 AFC)
10. Baltimore Ravens (6-7, win over MIA)
11. Miami Dolphins (6-7, loss to BAL)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
13. e-New York Jets (3-10)
14. e-Cleveland Browns (3-10)
15. e-Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
16. e-Tennessee Titans (2-11)

The Tennessee Titans were eliminated from playoff contention as were the Las Vegas Raiders. The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns joined them in Week 14.

AFC North standings after Week 14​


The Steelers are back on top with their Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals both lost, too.

Cincy’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. They need a crazy run to win the division.

I think the Browns were officially eliminated with their tenth loss and four division losses.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
2. Baltimore Ravens (6-7)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-10)
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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ittsburgh-steelers-hurdle-into-afc-north-lead
 
Steelers open as slim favorites over Dolphins in Week 15

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are 7-6 and sit alone at the top of the AFC North. They control their own playoff destiny, meaning as long as they win and take care of their business, they don’t have to rely on any outside help to secure a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 on Monday Night Football, and they open as slim favorites over a Dolphins team that has won four straight.

Per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Steelers are 3.5-point favorites against Miami. The Dolphins dominated the New York Jets 31-10 in Week 14, getting a rare cold-weather win. The last time Miami came to Pittsburgh, it was also on a Monday night. The Steelers picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick twice, including a Minkah Fitzpatrick interception in his first game against his former team, in a 27-14 win. Now a member of the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick will play his first game against Pittsburgh.

Getting to 8-6 before a road trip to Detroit to face the Lions would give the Steelers a bit of insurance before facing the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens in their final two games.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...n-week-15-baltimore-ravens-minkah-fitzpatrick
 
Mike Tomlin praises James Pierre for incredible season

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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense wasn’t perfect against the Baltimore Ravens. They allowed north of 200 yards on the ground, and the Ravens made it to the red zone six times. However, Pittsburgh was very opportunistic when it came to making big plays. They limited the Ravens to just two touchdowns in those six red zone trips, and they won the game with an Alex Highsmith sack.

One of the key plays in the win was an interception by James Pierre that set up a Kenneth Gainwell touchdown, making the game 17-3. The takeaway was just another cherry on the sundae that has been Pierre’s breakout in the second half of the season. Head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about No. 42’s play during his Tuesday press conference.

“It’s him,” Tomlin said via Nick Farabaugh. “Ask any of his teammates. ”He’s tough-minded. The tough road is not something that’s new to him. He’s played it up mentality.”

Tomlin also made note of the unwavering belief that Pierre has in himself, and that it’s carried over onto the field this season.

Mike Tomlin when asked about James Pierre's sixth year breakout:

"It's him. Ask any of his teammates… He's tough-minded. The tough road is not something that's new to him. He's played it up mentality."

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 9, 2025
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Pierre has been nothing short of superb in 2025. Per Next Gen Stats, he has allowed just one touchdown as the nearest defender and is allowing a completion percentage of just 38.2 percent. He has gone from a guy who was nearly unplayable back in 2021, to a special teamer, to now becoming a reliable piece of the secondary – a truly remarkable story.

Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...e-season-pittsburgh-steelers-baltimore-ravens
 
Mike Tomlin reveals why Roman Wilson was healthy scratch vs Ravens

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The Pittsburgh Steelers made several personnel changes to their offense ahead of their Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Adam Thielen, whom the Steelers signed less than a week before the game, was made active, as was fellow veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

In response to those moves, Roman Wilson was made a healthy inactive. This came as a surprise to many, as Wilson has been showing the ability to create separation and has received more reps as the season has progressed.

Mike Tomlin was asked about the decision to sit Wilson while keeping Scotty Miller active, to which he said that Miller’s capabilities as a punt returner weighed into the decision.

Mike Tomlin says Scotty Miller was active over Roman Wilson on Sunday because Miller is a capable backup punt returner.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 9, 2025
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Thielen had one catch for four yards, while Valdes-Scantling didn’t catch a pass. However, the offense had its best day passing the ball of the season, with Aaron Rodgers totaling 284 yards through the air.

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Source: https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...ittsburgh-steelers-adam-thielen-aaron-rodgers
 
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