This Monday Night Football clash sees the struggling New York Giants (2-5) face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Heinz Field. The Steelers, fresh off a dominant 37-15 victory over the Jets, will look to maintain their stronghold atop the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Giants are searching for answers after a demoralizing 28-3 defeat to the Eagles in Week 7.

Both teams are coming into their third primetime game of the season, but only one appears to be trending in the right direction, so let’s get into our favorite Giants @ Steelers picks.

Steelers Rolling on Defense and Adjusting on Offense

Under the leadership of Mike Tomlin and spearheaded by star linebacker T.J. Watt, the Steelers have solidified their defense as one of the best in the NFL. The team is only giving up 14.4 points per game and is coming off a commanding performance against the Jets. The Steelers defense limited the Jets to just 15 points, forcing key turnovers and getting after quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

T.J. Watt continues to be the game-wrecker that offenses fear, while fellow defensive stalwarts like Minkah Fitzpatrick anchor the back end of the defense. Pittsburgh’s ability to dominate both the pass rush and secondary has kept them at the top of their division. They are relentless in getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as evident by their 15 sacks this season.

On offense, the Steelers had a breakthrough in Week 7, debuting a new look with Russell Wilson under center. Wilson managed the game well, completing 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Najee Harris also delivered a second consecutive 100+ yard rushing performance on 21 carries, adding a touchdown of his own. The Steelers will try to continue feeding their bell-cow back against a Giants defense that was gashed by the Eagles for 269 rushing yards in Week 7.

With George Pickens as Wilson’s top target (5 catches for 111 yards and a TD last week), Pittsburgh is starting to find its rhythm offensively. The ability to mix in the run with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren should be a crucial factor against a Giants team that has struggled to stop the ground game.

Giants’ Struggles Continue

For the Giants, it’s been a season to forget. They sit at the bottom of the NFC East with a -50 point differential. Their Week 7 loss to the Eagles doubled that deficit, and their offense was completely stifled. Giants quarterbacks were sacked eight times, and the offensive line offered little protection throughout the game. New York managed only 76 rushing yards on 18 carries and a paltry 105 passing yards on 29 attempts, struggling to get anything going.

The Giants’ front four on defense has been solid, but they are too often left trying to compensate for an offense that cannot sustain drives. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been brilliant, but the passing game has been inconsistent.

The Giants’ inability to protect the quarterback or establish a consistent rushing attack has been a glaring issue all season. Unless there’s a massive turnaround, it’s hard to imagine them putting up much of a fight against a well-rounded Steelers squad.

Keys to the Game

1. Steelers’ Ground Attack: Pittsburgh’s recipe for success will likely mirror what the Eagles did in Week 7 – run the ball and control the clock. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren should see a heavy workload, particularly given the Giants’ recent struggles defending the run.
2. Russell Wilson’s Efficiency: If Wilson can play as efficiently as he did in Week 7, avoiding turnovers and connecting on key throws, Pittsburgh should be able to methodically wear down the Giants.
3. T.J. Watt’s Disruption: The Giants’ offensive line will be under constant pressure from Watt and the Steelers’ pass rush. Limiting sacks and protecting the ball will be key for New York.

Our Pick: George Picks to Record 1+ Receiving Touchdown

We expect the Steelers to control this game from start to finish with their balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense. Pittsburgh should be able to limit the Giants’ already struggling offense and cruise to a comfortable victory, and we’ll predict George Pickens to record a receiving TD, as he formed a great connection with Russell Wilson during the veteran QB’s Pittsburgh debut last week.

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