The Minnesota Vikings suffered another painful defeat on Sunday, losing on a last-second touchdown to the Detroit Lions. It was a costly loss for the Vikings, who dropped to ninth place in the NFC with a 5-7 record. Things are bound to get more challenging for them in Week 14 as they will face the resurgent Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Who will prevail in this Steelers vs Vikings clash? Here's a breakdown of this crucial matchup.
Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 14 as +3.5 underdogs
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally ended their three-game winless streak with a dramatic 20-19 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. It was a big win for the Steelers, who stayed alive in the AFC race. They currently hold a 6-5-1 slate, not far from the 7-5 records of the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals, who are both in the playoff picture.
Ben Roethlisberger starred for the Steelers in Week 13, completing 21 of 31 passes for 236 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Big Ben was clutch down the stretch as he engineered his 39th career NFL comeback in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers will look to make back-to-back wins when they take on the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. For Pittsburgh to grab the victory in that primetime encounter, the Steelers will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end.
The Steelers held the Ravens to less than 20 points and put the clamps on Lamar Jackson. Pittsburgh sacked the Ravens quarterback seven times, 3 ½ of which came from T.J. Watt, matching his career-high. Former Ravens player Chris Wormsley had 2 ½ sacks.
Related Article: Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns Week 14 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and NFL Preview
Minnesota Vikings installed as -3.5 favorites
Minnesota's quest to reach the 2021 NFL playoffs took a huge hit on Sunday as the Vikings suffered a shocking 29-27 loss to the then-winless Detroit Lions. Jared Goff threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown as time expired to give Dan Campbell his first win as Lions head coach.
It was a gut-wrenching defeat for the Vikings, who came close to completing a spectacular come-from-behind win. Trailing 23-15 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Vikings scored two straight touchdowns to grab a 27-23 lead with 1:50 left. But, they failed to stop Goff from marching down the field, allowing him to convert on fourth down with two seconds left for the game-winning score.
The Vikings will look to get their season back when they host the Steelers this coming Thursday. Kirk Cousins is one guy who needs to step up for Minnesota in this primetime clash. He completed 30 of 40 passes for 340 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the loss to the Lions.
Writer's Prediction
Minnesota wins and covers the spread.
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