Six Picks to Click for Steelers-Giants

Conner’s durability issues are no well kept secret around these parts. The former Pitt Panthers star has missed over 9 games in his three full seasons as a Steeler. But this year will be labeled as "make it or break it," no pun intended - as Conner tries to earn his first big pay-day. After this season his rookie contract will expire, rendering James a Free-Agent unless he and the Steelers restructure during the season - something the Steelers almost NEVER do.

Tonight, it’s critical to ease Ben Roethlisberger back into game action after missing nearly all of 2019 after major elbow surgery. Conner will touch the rock early and often and the Steelers ideal recipe for success is to start fast and lean on the rushing attack. The key ingredient to that meal will be Conner. 

I can’t wait to watch the two new additions to the offense.

Calvin and Chase both have similar builds and can outrun a Jimmy John’s delivery person.

I anticipate the Steelers using Claypool in the Redzone immediately, on jump-ball type fade routes where Big Ben doesn’t have to sit in the pocket and scan the field. Claypool may only catch a couple of passes tonight - but one will be for a score.

Another fella to watch is new tight-end Eric Ebron. Ebron is only 27 years old and leads the NFL in touchdown catches from the tight-end position since the beginning of the 2018 season. A Yinzer Crazy factoid. 

As Roethlisberger looks for short to intermediate throws, expect Ebron to have plenty of opportunities for success in his first game in a black and gold outfit.

Running backs will be the theme of this contest. Barkley can single-handedly win a game by himself - he’s that good. The Steelers and their front seven are aware of that and will consistently stack the box. Stopping the Giants starts with stopping Barkley. Look for them to hold him to under 100 yards rushing.

Pick your poison. If you stack the box to stop Barkley you’re going to leave opportunities in the pass-game for Daniel Jones and his weapons. Evan Engram is in his 4th year and has also often been injury-plagued. But when healthy - he's been dynamite. All indications are that is the case as he enters the season with a clean bill of health.

In 2019 Engram had 44 grabs for 467 yds and three TD’s in just eight games total. I expect him to be a household name after this season, with the potential for 80 catches, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He will make his presence known on a national stage tonight. 

When it’s all said and done the Steelers will leave Met-Life Stadium with a 1-0 record and Yinzer Nation will go to sleep on a Monday night quite satisfied. Ben will throw two touchdowns to newcomers, James Conner will be a bell-cow, and the Steelers will force Giants QB Daniel Jones into a few turnovers after limiting Saquon Barkley on the ground. However - it won’t be a walk in Central Park - leading into our next and final prediction.

Currently the Las Vegas experts have the Steelers as a 6.5 point favorite against the Giants. I think the line gets closer to -7 before game-time as money will come in on the Black and Gold. That line is a bit large given the fact that Roethlisberger will take some time to find his rhythm, and the Giants will be motivated to play well for new head coach Joe Judge at home.

Put your heart on the black and gold, and your money on the New York Giants +6.5.

Tomorrow we will have a full game recap. What went right? What went wrong? And how does it feel to be 1-0 for the first time in a few seasons.