Steelers Front, Raiders Run Game Biggest Mismatch of Week 6

The Pittsburgh Steelers are field goal favorites for Sunday’s contest against the Las Vegas Raiders.

That may seem thin given the apparent talent advantage for Pittsburgh and the hot start it jumped out to in September. But a two-game losing streak and an inconsistent offense have rendered the Steelers vulnerable—something going on the road and facing a feisty defense doesn’t help.

It’s entirely possible Pittsburgh drops this game. Quarterback Justin Fields can play poorly, the offensive line’s depth can be tested, and a change under center could open Las Vegas up to some positive regression.

However, it’s unlikely the Raiders run away with the Week 6 contest, figuratively and literally.

Las Vegas’ ground game is easily the worst in the sport. Neither running back Zamir White nor Alexander Mattison have taken hold of the starting job, making leads harder to hold onto and a two-dimensional offense nearly impossible to achieve.

The Raiders rank dead last in expected points added per rush and success rate.

The Steelers won’t make that endeavor any easier.

While the passing defense has wavered as injuries have hit the front seven, the team’s run defense has remained elite. By expected points added , Pittsburgh ranks fourth; by success rate, fifth.

Nobody except the Indianapolis Colts has been able to run on the Steelers, and it’s safe to say Jonathan Taylor poses a much bigger risk than anyone in this Sin City backfield.

Related: Freiermuth Backs Steelers Despite Loss, Lack of Production

Subsequently, Pittsburgh’s passing defense is in line for a strong day by way of complementary football. A poor ground game means more third-and-longs, where the pass rush can pin its ears back and turnovers are more likely to occur. It also allows the Steelers a greater opportunity to claw back should the Raiders need to chew the clock.

Few matchups on the schedule will present such a wide disparity between opposing units. Taking advantage of that gap will be critical in getting back to the win column.