BleacherCoaches.com

Next week worries me a bit, as the Steelers offense hasn't been playing so well against half decent defenses, and they are going against the Jags' underated defense at Jacksonville. To add more fuel to the fire, the Jaguars are playing with a wild card spot on the line next week, as one more loss would very likely leave them out of the playoffs.
Byron Leftwich, the second year quarterback from Marshall, will be back against the black and gold, which is certainly better for Jacksonville than having David Gerrand in there. However, the Steelers have an advantage since Byron is just returning from his injury, and their blitzes may be about to shake him up a bit.
However, the Jaguars' defense is definately one of the most effective in the NFL, and is capable of containing some of the NFL's most explosive offenses. The Steelers offense isn't that explosive, and in fact has been looking downright pathetic lately. So their defense should be able to keep the Steelers from scoring many points.
This game is shaping up to be a defensive battle, and in the end, I have to take the Steelers. If Byron Leftwich hadn't been injured, I would be seriously tempted to pick the Jaguars, but he will be just settling back in, and the Steelers' offense will do just enough to avoid the loss.

This game is a trap game for the Steelers, but they will come out of Jacksonville with a Victory, now and in February. Duce will be back, Bettis will become strickly the shortdown back and i havent heard anything on Burress situation, but having him back definately wouldnt hurt. The Steelers have been struggling as of late on offense, but if you look at the Cincy game, if they could have scored t.d.'s 50% of the time they would have scored well over 25 points, the fact is, they didn't. The Jag's offense has the most struggling offense in the league in my opinion, at least the most struggling with a winning record along with the ravens. The Defense will force Leftwich, or however its spelled, to force pass's and keep him in check the entire game. If the Steelers start hot, this game will get ugly, in a good way, if they are cool to start, it will be a dawg fight the entire time. It's Sunday Night, It's a Nationally Televised game, look for the best from the black and gold...

Pittsburgh 28
Jacksonville 7

I'm a die hard Steelers' fan...They got me through High School, winning their 4 Rings in the 6 years I was there..(Some of my original classmates took 8 years to get through the 6 grades)...but anyway, when it boils down to it...what would it hurt to lose to a Jacksonville or a NY team or so? (Jets, Giants or Bills).... BUT do not want a loss to the hated Ravens...sure a #1 seed and home field would be great but I'm all for their chances as a 3 or 4 seed as well

If the Patriots get their defense back, the Steelers may need home field advantage to beat them, especially with New England's weather in January. Of course, the Steelers could beat New England on the road, but chances aren't as much in their favor as at home. Also, getting a first round bye in the playoffs will help them prepare their team better for their opponent, and will give them a better chance of advancing to the Super Bowl. Home field advantage may be important, but that first round bye is usually crucial in getting to the big game, though there have been a few teams that have done it.