The Seattle Seahawks are back at home this week, hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that could decide the playoff fates of both teams.
Here are seven things to know about these two teams heading into a critical Week 17 matchup.
1
Major playoff implications for both teams
At this time of the season every game is huge for playoff positioning. It doesn’t get any bigger than Sunday for the Steelers, who will not officially be eliminated if they lose but their odds of making the postseason will drop to just 7% if they do. Winning would boost their chances to 32%. As for the Seahawks, a win would push their odds up to 89%, but a loss would drop them to 41% going into the last week of the season.
2
Mason Rudolph is starting for the Steelers
Pittsburgh has gotten disappointing results at quarterback for practically the entire season. That changed last week when they started Mason Rudolph instead of Mitch Trubisky. Rudolph had a career-best game against a decent Cincinnati defense, posting 290 yards and two touchdowns – almost unthinkable production for this offense. Even though starter Kenny Pickett (ankle) is probably healthy enough to return, Mike Tomlin is riding the hot hand and starting Rudolph again this week.
3
Geno Smith is on a roll for the Seahawks
Geno Smith is still playing hurt as he deals with triceps and groin injuries. However, in his last two starts Smith has played at an extraordinary level given the context. First he posted over 300 passing yards and four total touchdowns against a top-five Dallas defense, then last week when he returned to the lineup he led his fourth game-winning scoring drive of the year, tied for the most in the NFL in 2023.
4
Minkah Fitzpatrick is probably not playing
Injuries are a fact of life at this point in the season, and both teams are banged up. The most-significant issue for Pittsburgh is the knee injury for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. He has not practiced yet this week, making it unlikely he will play Sunday. Fitzpatrick being out would be a massive loss for the Steelers. He is widely regarded as the league’s best deep safety and has not allowed a touchdown in coverage yet this season.
5
The Devin Bush Revenge Game
One of many injuries the Seahawks are dealing with is a re-aggravated sprained ankle for linebacker Jordyn Brooks. He has also not practiced this week and is likely to be ruled out. That means Devin Bush will take over at his spot again. Bush acquitted himself well against the Titans for three quarters and should have more than enough motivation going against the team that originally made him a first-round draft pick.
6
Devon Witherspoon and Jamal Adams might return
On the positive side, the Seahawks might be getting their top cornerback back this week. Rookie corner Devon Witherspoon has been limited at practice but still participating. He has missed the last two games with a hip pointer injury. Strong safety Jamal Adams has also returned to practice in a limited capacity after missing the last two weeks with a knee issue.
7
Beware T.J. Watt
The one player the Seahawks need to prepare for most is the NFL’s sack leader, Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Always a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, this season Watt has already totaled 17 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, 33 quarterback hits and 44 pressures. Right tackle Abe Lucas will get most of the burden, but Shane Waldron has to help him out with extra pass blockers. Seattle’s tight ends are all solid in this part of the game and rookie running back Zach Charbonnet is starting to flash here, as well.
8
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