What to look out for in Week 6.
A storied rivalry is once again renewed as the Pittsburgh Steelers head to Las Vegas as a new chapter with the Raiders looms. Pittsburgh comes off yet another disappointing loss at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, falling on virtually the last play of the game. The Raiders also enter this contest following a loss as they allowed rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos to take them down 34-18.
The Raiders hold the edge on the Steelers in terms of the all-time head-to-head record sitting at 17-15. Last year when the Steelers traveled to Vegas they did not get an ideal outcome. In a 23-18 losing effort, Pittsburgh struggled to get much going offensively despite a decent performance from the former Steeler Kenny Pickett. Vegas on the other hand was able to utilize their No. 1 receiver Davante Adams as he caught 13 balls for 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Adams looks to be sidelined entering the 2024 rendition of this rivalry as he labors a hamstring injury. Even more so, rumors have been whirling around the NFL that Adams may be on the move. The Steelers are one of several teams that appear to be in on Adams so keep an eye out for any extracurricular exchanges between the two parties on Sunday afternoon.
The Raiders will also be showing a new quarterback in Week 6 as Aidan O’Connell takes the helm for the first time in 2024. Among the long list of injured Raiders also includes Maxx Crosby (ankle), Jakobi Meyers (ankle) and Zamir White (groin). None of the previously listed players practiced on either Wednesday or Thursday. This leaves all of their statuses in question for Sunday’s meeting.
The Steelers have no shortage of injuries on their side either as they will be without multiple key pieces this week. None of the following players participated in either Wednesday or Thursday practices: Damontae Kazee (ankle), Nick Herbig (hamstring), Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), Cameron Heyward (rest), and DeMarvin Leal (neck). Some of the more optimistic news from this week’s injury report includes quarterback Russell Wilson being a full participant and running back Jaylen Warren being upgraded to a limited participant. With back-to-back losses and Wilson gaining health, the Steelers quarterback room may once again become a topic of discussion.
With injuries playing a massive role in this Week 6 face-off, let us take a look at some matchups you will want to check out.
Robert Spillane vs. Justin Fields
Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Robert Spillane has been a massive piece of this Raiders defense since he joined the team. As a team captain, Spillane displays his leadership through his play, which has been excellent thus far in 2024. Spillane is joint first in the NFL through five weeks in tackles with an impressive 54.
The Raiders game breaker will look to avenge his former team. If he is to do so, he will have to read the play of Fields and his dual-threat abilities.
Brock Bowers vs. Steelers LBs
Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
The Georgia Bulldogs product Brock Bowers, enters the contest with Pittsburgh coming off his best game in the NFL yet. Against Denver, Bowers went for eight catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown. Even in the losing effort, Bowers showed just how explosive he can be when given the chance.
Pittsburgh and their linebackers have defended tight ends well for the majority of this season so far. However, Bowers poses a different problem. Bowers can use his size in incredibly impressive ways whether it be the agile plays he can muster, or the contested catches he brings down. The big play capability is there for Bowers and if the Steelers are to get back on track, they must limit those.
What it all means
While the Raiders are a vastly depleted team in Week 6 so are the Steelers. If history continues the Raiders will win this game as they have defeated two AFC North teams already in 2024. Those are the only two wins for Vegas this season though. With disappointing losses to teams like Carolina and Denver, Vegas is hungry to snag another big one.
Pittsburgh has struggled mightily the last two weeks with their flaws being on full display. If they are to bounce back both sides of the ball must compete to their absolute best. Since Alex Highsmith went down with an injury, T.J. Watt has not been able to make much of an impact. Watt must get through this week if his Steelers are to turn it around.
If the Steelers are to win, they will await the score of Baltimore vs. Washington to see who sits atop the AFC North. If they are to lose, it will be three straight losses with two being against teams with records below .500.
Vegas currently sits last in a division that may be better than some thought this season. The Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated while the Los Angeles Chargers and Broncos have put on good efforts to sit right in the middle. Vegas must gain ground quickly and this game is the perfect opportunity to build momentum back.
This game will no doubt be messy at times and an overall war. Whoever comes out on top sets the tone for the rest of their season and breathes new life into one of these two deflated squads. Expect a lower-scoring game than the last two weeks and perhaps a defensive battle from Vegas.
Score prediction: Steelers 18, Raiders 13