Indianapolis Colts (6-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh – TV: NBC
*TV announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
*Keys to the game: Matt Hasselbeck is 4-0 as a relief starter for the Colts this season, and it’s not because he’s playing conservatively. Hasselbeck put the ball in the air 42 times in Indianapolis’ victory over Tampa Bay last week. He’s making quick decisions and getting the ball out of his hands. This week, Hasselbeck will take aim at a Steelers secondary that has allowed 1,025 passing yards and 10 touchdowns over the past three games and will struggle to keep tabs on shifty WRs T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief.
Expect an aerial assault from both offenses. The Steelers’ defense is allowing only 3.8 yards per carry, while the offense all but eschewed the ground game with RB DeAngelo Williams getting only eight carries last week. QB Ben Roethlisberger put it in the air 55 times, but he also took a beating in the second half and has nine picks to go with his 11 touchdown passes on the season. The Colts’ 27th-ranked secondary is an inviting target in its own right, but the Steelers would be well served to attempt more balance to control the ball longer and protect Roethlisberger.
*Matchup to watch – Colts RT Denzelle Good vs. Steelers ROLB Bud Dupree: Good is a seventh-round pick coming off his first NFL start, and the 6-5, 340-pound former Mars Hill College standout is likely to get the call again with Joe Reitz expected to replace injured LT Anthony Castonzo. Good received expected mixed reviews from coach Chuck Pagano, who said he had “some rough moments” and “some moments when he dominated.” The same could be said for fellow rookie Dupree, who is third on the Steelers with 4.0 sacks.
*Player spotlight – Colts RB Boom Herron: Re-signed last week after a brief stint with Buffalo, Herron is familiar with the offense and will see significant snaps behind Frank Gore with Ahmad Bradshaw out for the season.
*Fast facts: Hasselbeck has also joined Warren Moon and Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to win four consecutive starts after turning 40 years old. He has thrown multiple touchdown passes in three consecutive games for the first time since 2007. … The Steelers have allowed three consecutive 300-yard passers.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The teams enter with identical records, although the Colts are tied for their division lead while the Steelers’ playoff hopes are nearing life support status. Pittsburgh has too many weapons in the passing game for Indianapolis to cope with, especially at Heinz Field, as long as the Steelers don’t get hammered in turnover margin.
*Our pick: Steelers 37-27.