The Steelers (2-4) host the Dolphins (0-6) at Heinz Field for Week 8's Monday Night Football matchup, with the Dolphins looking to register their first win of the season and the Steelers looking to win back-to-back games for the first time in 2019.
Both teams have underachieved this year. While the Steelers have lost four of six to open the season, a win Monday night secures second place in the struggling AFC North. The Dolphins, meanwhile, seem willing and ready to tank for 2020 and beyond. So what will happen?
Our staff makes their picks:
Dale Lolley (3-3): The Dolphins just might be playing better in recent weeks, but they're still the NFL's worst team, all apologies to the Bengals. Miami doesn't pass protect well or run the ball. The Steelers will have a big advantage up front, even without Tuitt. And that should help them create turnovers. And Miami's secondary is vulnerable, especially missing Reshad Jones and Xavien Howard. The Dolphins have also allowed over 180 yards per game to opposing running backs. This game sets up nicely for the Steelers to get Rudolph some confidence. Steelers, 30-10
Christopher Carter (1-5): This is the game the Steelers show off and get their points. The Dolphins' defense has been atrocious and ranked 31st in the NFL. Their best safety, Jones, hasn't practiced all week and Howard's been limited. This is the time for Mason Rudolph to take some shots and break open the deep passing game. I also expect a few turnovers to go the Steelers' way. Steelers, 31-13
Hunter Homistek (4-2): I'm not getting cute here. The Steelers win. Big. I see the defense causing major problems for Ryan Fitzpatrick and company, giving Rudolph short fields to work with. Ultimately, the Steelers will settle for field goals in a few instances they could cash in for six, making the score seem closer than the game really was. Steelers, 30-16
Matt Sunday (3-3): Everyone is feeling super confident about this one ... and I am too. That's why the Steelers are sitting at -800 on the moneyline, or at least close depending on when this is read. Steelers win this one. For. Sure. I'm not sure I'm buying a total blowout, however. Fitzpatrick doesn't have the weapons he did in Tampa to torch the Steelers secondary, and it's not one that is as easily torch-able as last year's meeting, either. I can, however, see him getting enough chances to throw the ball while losing in this one against a Steelers team who is going to chew some serious clock. Dolphins have played a couple close......ish games, and I like them to cover that -14 spread. Steelers, 27-16
Dejan Kovacevic (2-4): The bye was well-timed in terms of allowing the Steelers to regain some health, but it was a bummer coming off a bona fide uplifting experience in L.A. Part of me wishes this game would present a greater challenge. The other part, though, sees it as a potential liftoff for Rudolph and the passing game. They could use it. And they'll get it. Steelers eleventy-billion, Dolphins 0
