Pittsburgh (2-0) at Philadelphia (2-0)
When: Sunday, September 25th 2016
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 4:25 ET | TV: CBS
The Keystone State rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles takes place this Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field and pits a future Hall-of-Famer against a rookie sensation. Carson Wentz, who the Eagles moved up to draft at number two overall, became the first quarterback since the merger to win his first two starts without throwing an interception. The Eagles took care of the Bears on Monday night 29-14 after easily routing the Browns 29-10 in the opener. Jordan Matthews is the top target for Wentz with 13 receptions and a touchdown through two games while Trey Burton filled in nicely for injured tight end Zach Ertz last week with five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Mathews has rushed for three touchdowns but is averaging only 3.5 yards per carry. The Eagles defense has been a pleasant surprise ranking fifth against the pass, but could again be without starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) against a potent offense in Pittsburgh.
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Ben Roethlisberger comes into this contest with the most touchdown passes (6) in the NFL and has thrown at least three TDs in his last three games. Roethlisberger completed passes to nine different receivers while connecting with RB DeAngelo Williams and both his tight ends, Jesse James and Xavier Grimble, on scoring plays. Speaking of Williams, he’s filled in nicely once again for the suspended Le’Veon Bell, who will miss his third an final game due to a suspension. Williams has an NFL-high 237 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while adding another 10 catches and a score. Star WR Antonio Brown, who reeled in 375 passes over the past three seasons, was limited to four receptions for 39 yards in last week’s 24-16 win over Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is yielding tons of yards through the air (347.5 ppg) but has permitted only 16 points in each of the first two games.
The obvious choice here would be to take Pittsburgh, but we know there’s no such thing as a lock in the NFL. I like the Eagles defense to put some pressure on Ben and I’m going to ride Wentz once again. I can see a close game here and we’re getting a field goal and a hook. I’ll take it.
Pick: Eagles +3.5
