Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.
Colts (-3) over STEELERS: Indianapolis is the dominant team comparing year-to-date statistics, and even more so by using stats from the last four games. The Colts are No. 1 in both offense and defense and are plus-219 yards per game vs. the 11th-toughest schedule, while the Steelers are 14th and 13th, respectively, and are plus-24 ypg vs. the No. 31 schedule. Indianapolis also has the situational edge with a comfortable 27-0 win last Sunday, while Pittsburgh had a potential season-saving comeback win on Monday night and has rival Baltimore on deck. The capper is my exclusive special teams rankings where the Colts also have a significant edge (No. 2 vs. No. 20). Weather forecast is a Colts-friendly sunny and 60s.
Seahawks (-5) over PANTHERS: The Super Bowl champs have a bull’s-eyes on their backs this season, and already have three losses, including their last two games. While a cross-country trip facing an unfamiliar foe can be a clear disadvantage, this is quite different as the Seahawks are visiting the Panthers for a third straight season, having won and covered the last two. Seattle is No. 1 in the NFL rushing for 5.4 yards per carry, while the Panthers defense is last, allowing 5.3 yards per carry. On the flip side, while not best vs. worst, Carolina is 29th rushing for 3.5 yards per carry, while Seattle’s defense is No. 2 allowing 3.2 yards per carry. When I believe a team will control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, you usually will see them here on these pages.
LAST WEEK (NFL): 1-1
SEASON: 8-6