The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks will face one another in Week 6 of the 2021 NFL season. The Steelers are coming off of their best all-around performance in a win over the Denver Broncos in Week 5. Pittsburgh is now 2-3 on the season and are looking to stay in the AFC North race despite being in last place in the division right now.
The Seahawks are heading in the wrong direction as they fell to 2-3 on the season in Week 5 due to a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. To make matters worse, Russell Wilson is expected to miss at least a month of action due to a finger injury.
Ahead of an interconference battle on Sunday Night Football, here are five reasons why the Steelers will defeat the Seahawks in Week 6.
No Russell Wilson
As previously mentioned, Wilson suffered a finger injury against the Rams in Week 5. The injury occurred in the second half and Wilson would be unable to return. Geno Smith entered in relief of Wilson and played pretty well for a quarterback that wasn’t expecting to take any snaps for the Seahawks.
That being said, it may be shocking to some, but there is a huge dropoff between Wilson and Smith at quarterback. Look for the Steelers to make life difficult for Smith on Sunday night.
Seattle’s Defense Is Abysmal
As bad as the offense of the Steelers has looked with Ben Roethlisberger under center, the defense of the Seahawks might be even worse. Seattle’s defense has allowed the second-most passing yards per game and the second-most rushing yards per game in the first five weeks. So if there is any week that the offense of the Steelers is going to be extremely productive, it would be this week.
All Pittsburgh needs for Roethlisberger to do is avoid any turnovers, which Seattle’s defense has only forced five of this season.
Pittsburgh’s Defense Will Wreak Havoc On Geno Smith
No matter who the Steelers have on defense, they seem to be near the league lead in sacks and pressures. However, Pittsburgh has gotten off to a slow start in the sack department so far, totaling only 10 sacks (tied for the 10th fewest in the NFL).
With T.J. Watt getting healthier from a groin injury, this is a perfect week for the Steelers to get after the quarterback, especially with Smith under center. I’m expecting multiple sacks and potentially multiple takeaways as the Steelers make things difficult for Smith in his first start since 2017.
Seahawks Making The Cross-Country Trip To Pittsburgh
Not only do the Seahawks have to bounce back with Wilson sidelined, but they have to make the cross-country trip to face the Steelers. Heinz Field isn’t an easy place to play as Pittsburgh has some of the most die-hard fans in the NFL.
Even if this game was in Seattle, fans of the Steelers would travel well to support their team. But this game is not in Seattle, so the odds are even more stacked against the Seahawks in Week 6.
Najee Harris Is Poised For A Productive Game
Najee Harris was taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, causing discussions to be had on whether or not he was the right choice. I wouldn’t select a running back in the first round anymore, but the Steelers felt he was a game-changing player.
While Harris has had little success on the ground, he had his best rushing game in Week 5 with 122 rushing yards against the Broncos. With the Steelers not wanting to lean on Roethlisberger’s arm, Harris primed for another productive game against a putrid defense of the Seahawks.