PurplePTSD: Behind Enemy Lines: Many Steelers Writers Are Predicting A Vikings Defeat

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

December 9, 2021

From what I can see, Steelers writers are feeling reasonably confident heading into the TNF matchup with the Vikings. At this point, who can blame them? The Vikings just lost to the Lions, the most pathetic team in the NFL. Such an outcome will inevitably lead to others losing respect.

The majority of writers from Behind The Steel Curtain are leaning toward Pittsburgh. Perhaps the most eye-catching prediction comes from Mark Davison, who thinks Pittsburgh will win 36-13:

The focus on the playoffs, especially since Big Ben hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, is peculiar. Alas, it’s one person’s opinion.

Alex Kozora provides a more sophisticated analysis in his Steelers and Vikings prediction piece for Steelers Depot. He predicts a 21-17 Pittsburgh win. To his mind, the Steelers will find success if they get strong performances from Chase Claypool, Alex Highsmith, and Pressley Harvin. In contrast, the Vikings will find success if their DTs play great, Kene Nwangwu continues to do remarkable things, and a few skill guys step up alongside Justin Jefferson.

Andrew Falce of Still Curtain offers up 5 bold predictions in his piece. Surprisingly, his first bold prediction is that they won’t be able to slow down Captain Kirk (who is in the running for All Pro honors). He also prophesies about a big day for Alexander Mattison (who may not even be the featured back): “I think Mattison will easily go over 100-yards and will be a force on this offense. While the defense does a good job of combating some of the weapons on this offense, Mattison still finds some success on the ground this week. He doesn’t singlehandedly win the game for the Vikings, but he keeps their offense constantly moving forward all game.” Falce also discusses the importance of the Pittsburgh receivers against the Vikings DBs. There may even be a prediction tossed in there about slowing down #18 in purple.

If you hop over to Vikings Territory, you’ll see our staff predictions for the TNF game. I’m rolling with the Vikings over the Steelers simply because those purple guys like to prolong fan suffering. A win accomplishes that goal. Put me down for a 27-17 win, a game that is actually much closer until the very end when Minnesota scores a late TD.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.