Yet again, we have a Monday Night Football doubleheader thanks to COVID-19 rescheduling. This game will feature the surging Washington Football Team, and the only remaining undefeated team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams have played excellent football lately, although Washington desperately needs a victory to keep pace with the suddenly-hot New York Giants in the NFC East.
Playing a game at 5:00 P.M. Eastern is a new normal for 2020, but with the league refusing to cancel games or add in a “Week 18” to make up any unplayed games, there may be more such reschedules to come.
The Steelers are 6.5-point favorites. The over/under is 43.5.
Washington Seeks Critical Win
Given all of the struggles Washington has had this year, making it to the playoffs would be a miracle. Alex Smith came back from the brink of leg amputation to become a starting quarterback once again. If the offensive line can keep him upright in this one and allow him time in the pocket, Washington has a great chance to run up the point totals.
Antonio Gibson has been on an absolute tear, proving that he can be an effective starting running back in the NFL. He was primarily a wide receiver in college, so for him to come in as a third-round pick and take over the starting running back role and dominate at the position, it’s incredible to watch. Gibson has 645 yards and 11 touchdowns on the campaign.
Washington’s defense has been surprisingly capable this season. They’re allowing the fourth-fewest yards per game and have the fifth-most sacks. Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, and Chase Young have done an excellent job pressuring opposing quarterbacks, and they can turn the tide of this game if they can get in Ben Roethlisberger’s face early and often.
Pittsburgh’s Pursuit of Perfection
The Steelers still sit at 11-0, waiting for a team to knock them off their perch. They cannot overlook Washington, as the Kansas City Chiefs are just one game behind Pittsburgh for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Also, COVID reschedules have effectively wiped out Pittsburgh’s bye week, so one slip up could cost them the opportunity at a first-round bye. Finishing 16-0 might be the only way to get any rest before a Super Bowl run.
Roethlisberger has done an excellent job under center this season, spreading the ball around to JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and rookie standout Chase Claypool. He has thrown for 2,800 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Washington’s defense will be one of the more formidable units the Steelers face this season.
Leaning on James Conner to open up the offense will be essential to Pittsburgh’s success. Conner has 645 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season. Balancing the run game and aerial attack will keep Washington’s defense on their toes, as the Football Team gives up an average of 115 rushing yards per game.
The Pick Is In
Monday evening’s game should be close, especially if Washington controls the clock through the running game. Their defense will be good enough to keep things tight. Expect this one to be decided by a late score.
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