NFL
NFL Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Past Match-ups:
Coming into this game the Pittsburgh Steelers have a commanding 8-2 record all time versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Pittsburgh leads the series, the last match-up was won by Tampa Bay by a score of 27-24 in Pittsburgh. Tampa Bay stole this one by scoring a game winning touchdown with 7 seconds left on the clock. Although the Buccaneers are without quarterback Jameis Winston, backup Ryan Fitzpatrick has done a remarkable job taking over. The Buccaneers come in to this game with all the momentum, while Pittsburgh is trying to shape up from a lack luster start to their 2018 season.
Injury Report:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Pittsburgh opens this week of practice with a few notable injuries. Starting offensive lineman David Decastro (Hand), Marcus Gilbert (Hamstring), and Ramon Foster (Knee), all were noted on Mondays injury report. Decastro missed last week with a broken hand but is still pushing to go in Monday’s game. Marcus Gilbert, and Ramon Foster were not listed as injured following Sundays game, so this could be normal rest for starters but something to keep an eye on throughout the week. Joe Haden, Pittsburgh’s starting cornerback appears to be heading in the right direction after missing last week. If Haden stays healthy through practice this week he should be ready to go come Monday. Backup defensive end Tyson Alualu will also need to be monitored throughout this week with a shoulder that kept him out of last Sundays game as well.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In last week’s game versus the Philadelphia Eagles the Buccaneers lost two players in WR Chris Conte (Knee), and DT Beau Allen (Foot). Both Conte and Allen will be monitored throughout the week for their availability come Monday. Brent Grimes the Bucs best cornerback missed last week with a groin injury, it will be interesting to see if he can rehab in time for Monday’s match-up versus Pittsburgh. The big story however is the reports that first round pick DT Vita Vea may be ready for his first regular season game after suffering a calf injury during the preseason. Although not injured, Jameis Winston will also miss this game as his final game of a three-game suspension. It is still up for debate whether Winston will receive the starting job when he returns the following week.
Key Match-ups
Desean Jackson vs Artie Burns
In a deep threat match up look for Fitzpatrick to target Desean Jackson downfield early and often as the two have been hot to start the season. Jackson leads the NFL this season with 275 receiving yards and tied for second in receiving touchdowns with 3. Jackson has caught all 9 passes thrown his way this season averaging over 30 yards per catch. Artie Burns will be in for a long game as he was attached vertically last week, and this is Fitzpatrick’s go to deep threat.
Mike Evans vs Pittsburgh Secondary
Mike Evans has been a terror for secondary units since he came into the league, this year being no exception. Evans has 17 receptions for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns entering this game. He has been a consistent target for Fitzpatrick and this Steelers defense put up an abysmal performance against the Chiefs passing attack last week. We’ll see if the Steelers can bounce back this week and slow down one of the hottest passing attacks in the NFL.
Antonio Brown vs Tampa Bay Secondary
After a lackluster start for Brown, he will be looking to put the critics behind and have a big game versus an injured secondary. Although the Buccaneers are 2-0 they have been gashed through the air surrendering 439 passing yards to the Saints and 334 to the Eagles. Starting cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes have been out with injuries which hasn’t helped. Look for Ben to get the ball to Brown early and exploit this weak secondary in this game to kick start his season.
Pittsburgh’s Pass Rush vs Tampa Bay’s O-line
Pittsburgh’s success is almost always based on their ability to rush the passer. When Pittsburgh gets to the quarterback their entire defensive unit seems to play better. Week 1 Pittsburgh had 7 sacks and only gave up 21 total points, Week 2 they had 1 and surrendered 42. If the Steelers pass rush can get home they can limit the damage done by Tampa’s offense, if not this could be another long game for a struggling secondary.
Fantasy Implications
Mike Evans and Desean Jackson are both worth starts as this Steelers defense will be sure to give up at least one deep touchdown if not for more. I would also look at TE OJ Howard as a sleeper this week, as the Steelers have had issues defending the TE position. Antonio Brown should bounce back big as he always does. I would expect both him and JuJu Smith Schuster to get solid fantasy points this week versus a limited Bucs secondary. One player I would move to RB2 this week might be running back James Conner. The Buccaneers run defense has been stout giving up only 3.6 yards per attempt which is good for 7th in the league. Conner came back down to earth last week and with 3 Steelers offensive lineman on the injury report it could be a tough week out of the backfield.
Prediction
Tampa Bay’s offense has been on fire to start this season, but “Fitzmagic” can only last for so long. Fitzpatrick is 0-5 against the Steelers as a starter averaging 222.8 yards 1.2 touchdowns and .5 interceptions per game. Pittsburgh has struggled to start this season, but the offense looks promising. The Steelers also live for prime-time performances. Since 2010 the Steelers have an 8-2 record on Monday Night Football with their last loss coming in 2013. Tampa Bay will put up points but a few costly turnovers by Fitzpatrick will lose them the game. Pittsburgh will do enough to get their first win of the season 31-24.
Date: Monday, September 24, 2018
Time: 8:15 pm Eastern Time
Location: Raymond James Stadium Tampa Bay, FL
Team Records:
Pittsburgh Steelers 0-1-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-0-0
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Photo credit to duong thuy via Flickr
