Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings (Thursday – 8:20 ET)

Last week, the Steelers and Vikings both had games come down to the final minute in which they had to make a defensive stop to win. The Steelers managed to stop a Lamar Jackson 2-pt conversion pass attempt, while the Vikings played a head-scratching soft coverage defense which let the Lions score a touchdown on the final play to win their first game this season. This season the Vikings' defense is 0 for 8 against game-winning or tying drives, and they have given up 101 points in the final 2 minutes of any half this season (worst in the NFL). Just last season, they set the record with 107 points allowed in the final 2-minutes of any half. Combining historically inept late-game defense with giving up 382 yards per game (3rd most in the NFL) has many pundits and Vikings fans calling for coaching changes. However, QB Kirk Cousins has played well this season as he is second in the league with a 106.3 Passer Rating. WR Justin Jefferson has been especially productive, as he is 2nd in fantasy points (ESPN Standard Scoring) among all wide receivers. The Vikings offense as a whole ranks 6th in the NFL with 384.9 yards per game, though WR2 Adam Thielen will miss this game with an ankle injury, and RB Dalvin Cook is questionable to play.

In concerning news for the Vikings defense, Ben Roethlisberger completed the 51st game-winning drive of his career (tied with Tom Brady for 3rd most all-time) and his 5th of the season (tied for first with Justin Herbert) to beat the Ravens last week. Some of Roethlisberger's arm strength has diminished as he approaches 40, but his crunch time playmaking is still potent. The Steelers have been out-gained this season as they average 325.2 yards per game and give up 364.1, and they have a -42 point differential, yet they have managed a winning record at 6-5-1. With RB Najee Harris making plays for the offense, and LB TJ Watt leading their defense, the Steelers have the talent to compete with anyone. They have come up big in clutch situations, in contrast to the Vikings, who have outscored and out-gained opponents but have a losing record at 5-7. On paper, the Vikings are the better team, but the intangible clutch factor leans heavily towards the Steelers, and Kirk Cousins is 8-17 in primetime games for his career. Can the Vikings put together a solid 60-minute performance with the spotlight and their season on the line?

Spread: Vikings favored by 4 points

Over/under: 45

Preview question: Steelers LB TJ Watt leads the NFL in sacks (16). How many sacks will TJ Watt have in this game?

Pro tip: While TJ Watt is a wrecking ball who could win defensive player of the year, the Vikings' offensive line is also very formidable, as they give up only 1.5 sacks per game (2nd fewest in the NFL). However, the Vikings starting LT Christian Darrisaw is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, and if he doesn't play Watt could have a field day.

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