The Seattle Seahawks will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night in this NFC West vs AFC North preseason matchup. This will take place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and this will be the preseason opener for both teams.
Seattle Seahawks are coming into their first preseason game with Gino Smith named as the starter as he and Drew Locke have been in competition. The QB battle comes after the Seahawks lost long time QB Russell Wilson this offseason. Last season, when available Russell Wilson had to run for his life. They took Charles Cross with the #9 pick, as the offensive tackle out of Mississippi State should help this offensive line this season.
The Seattle Seahawks also added Uchenna Nwosu and Quinton Jefferson in free agency.
Last season the Seattle Seahawks averaged 379.1 yards on offense and 343.2 yards given up on defense.
The Steelers come into this season after allowing their long-time starting QB, Ben Roethlisberger to retire. Mitch Turbisky as their starting QB, as he has been battling with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph for the starting job.
Najee Harris will have to be a big part of the offense without Big Ben when regular season play begins. Harris rushed for over 1,200 yards last season in an amazing first year campaign.
On defense, they made some changes and drafted DeMarvin Leal out of Texas A&M. This pass rusher will play and learn from T.J. Watt and should learn a lot from one of the best in the league. Watt should also look to put together a big year on defense here as well.
Last season the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 315.4 yards on offense and 361.1 yards given up on defense.
The under is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games on grass and is 9-4 in Steelers last 13 games on grass.
The Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings and the Home team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings. Pittsburgh should be able to grab the preseason win on their home field.
AUTHOR: Clayton Fountain
Mitch's Take...
