Steelers Could Have One 1 Huge Advantage Against Top AFC Contender

There were many big moves at the NFL trade deadline this season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to make any outside acquisitions. Even with obvious depth issues at wide receiver and cornerback, General Manager Omar Khan is relying on the return of Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on offense, along with Jamel Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. holding it down on defense. Luckily for Pittsburgh, their AFC North rival and upcoming opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, also didn't add to their roster over the last week.

While the AFC North was quiet at the trade deadline, the Jacksonville Jaguars were very active and have declared themselves all in. They sent a second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for safety Jessie Bates III and first- and future second-round picks to the Philadelphia Eagles for defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Pittsburgh plays the Jaguars in Week 14, and the game looks even tougher now. 

Pittsburgh is guaranteed to see Jacksonville this regular season, but if they do in the playoffs as well, it could be interesting. Depending on playoff seeding, Jacksonville is likely to stay home, and Pittsburgh could find their way there. While the Steelers don't arguably have the talent the Jaguars currently do, an advantage has been brought to light that Pittsburgh could have. 

Jacksonville ranks 27th in the NFL in home attendance, and opposing fans often outnumber the home crowd. Mark Kaboly recently said on his show, Kaboly + Mack, that if the Steelers traveled to Jacksonville in January, the Jaguars wouldn't have home-field advantage. 

"I'm still skeptical on them, one because their running game, and their lack of home-field advantage, regardless if they're number one," Kaboly stated. "If Jacksonville has the number one seed throughout the playoffs, I think for the most part, it's gonna be whoever they play. I mean, could you imagine Buffalo, or Denver, or whoever? They're gonna take over that stadium just like Pittsburgh." 

Steeler Nation has always traveled well to opposing stadiums, especially in Florida. Steelers fans took over the stadium in Tampa Bay when they defeated the Buccaneers in overtime, and will likely do it again in Jacksonville. The Jaguars are the Steelers' toughest remaining game, but they could have home-field advantage even on the road. 

While the game in Jacksonville is weeks away, they still have to beat the Bengals to improve their chances of winning the AFC North. Cincinnati has one of the easiest remaining schedules, while Pittsburgh has tougher matchups. If the Bengals win, they will very likely win the AFC North because of tiebreakers and an overall better record. 

Now, anything can happen, and either team could completely fall off or get plagued with injuries. However, the Steelers need all the wins they can get to stack up against the Bengals, who could very possibly win out the rest of the season. Even though it's November, this could very well be the Steelers' most important game of the season. 

Steelers Have An Advantage On The Bengals

The Bengals just played their first-ever NFL game in Madrid, while the Steelers are coming off their bye week. While the Bengals have been traveling, the Steelers have been resting. The record of teams coming off their bye week versus teams traveling overseas heavily favors Pittsburgh. 

Joe Burrow is perhaps the hottest quarterback in the NFL, playing lights-out the past few games. He played a good game against the Steelers in Week 3, but with Pittsburgh well-rested and healthier, they may be able to get at him and force bad throws. 

The only worry with the bye week is how the offense responds after their momentum is halted. The offensive line was dominating before the bye week, and Jaylen Warren has looked like a star, but will they pick up where they left off Sunday night? 

What do you think? Is Kaboly right about the Jaguars and their lack of home-field advantage? Will the Steelers defeat the Bengals this week? Follow us for more news! 

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