Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins: Steelers Favored to Win Game; Match Prediction, TV Schedule and Streaming Details
Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season is underway, and what better way to start Monday Night Football with a marquee matchup between two top-tier teams? The Washington Redskins face the Pittsburgh Steelers, entering as the underdogs even at home.
For Washington, the game-changer could be a rising talent who finally cracked the starting lineup. For Pittsburgh, the odds are in favor of their big stars. The match, however, is predicted to be a close battle.
The rise of Kirk Cousins
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The Redskins face tough competition on their home stadium and they are not the favorites to win. Experts downplayed their victory in NFC East last season, saying the team won by default due to weak opponents in their division.
The man that led them to that championship, however, deserves the accolade. Kirk Cousins got his first starting berth last season, replacing Robert Griffin III—who had recently moved on to the Cleveland Browns.
The quarterback did not immediately show his prowess, not until the latter half of the season. He finished with the league-best 69.8 passing percentage for 4,166 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also had a 101.6 passer rating.
Cousins is expected to grow further, passing to star targets DeSean Jackson and Jordan Reed. However, he had his most impressive games against subpar defenses. Ergo, much like his team, he has to prove himself this season. Cornerback Josh Norman, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, will also debut on Monday, given a tough defensive assignment in wide receiver Antonio Brown.
The Big Ben-Brown connection
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh enters the match with a lot of confidence. A big part of that would be one of the best pairings in the NFL today, Brown and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Big Ben would have his work cut out for him as the 6'5" 240-pound monster is expected to be heavily frustrated by the Redskins defense. However, the home team will also have to account for Brown.
Both men have proven that they can plow through double teams with ease and Brown could easily weave through the defense to allow Roethlisberger find a free target. With the defense expected to focus on the huge quarterback, it would be Norman guarding Brown in what seems to be a matchup leaning to the latter.
Roethlisberger will lack an offensive option in Markus Wheaton due to injury, but first-rounder cornerback Artie Burns looks to make a strong debut. The Steelers are predicted to win by at least six points.
The game airs September 12, 7:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN or online through the NFL Game Pass.
