MINNEAPOLIS -- Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' game, and below are the picks for the game against the Vikings, Thursday, 8:20 p.m., at U.S. Bank Stadium.
For a full preview, check my Kickoff.
Dale Lolley (6-6): It's a short week, but it's that for both teams. And with Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook sidelined, the Vikings are missing more than one-third of their offensive yards and more than 40 percent of their touchdown output. They're also missing sack leaders Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen. The Steelers have injury issues of their own, but they're healthier and more talented. Oh, and Kirk Cousins is 8-15-1 in his career in prime time games. Steelers, 27-23
Ramon Foster (5-7): Cook being out is a big deal, and it seems that the Steelers' offense found a bit of a rhythm in the Baltimore game. I’d say on a short week, Pittsburgh's good with keeping it simple. That’s been their identity on offense all year. The defense seems to handle itself … mostly bending and not breaking. Steelers, 23-17
Chris Carter (6-6): The Steelers face a passing defense that ranks 23rd in the NFL and and is missing its key pass rushers, while first-round pick offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw hasn't been able to practice. That could work out for the Steelers owning the trenches on both sides, which would help on the short week. Steelers, 26-19
Tom Reed (5-7): The Steelers rallied for a 17-point fourth quarter to outlast their bitter rival, Baltimore, on Sunday. But to make that win count, they need to back it up on short rest in Minnesota. Luckily for them, the Vikings are coming off a loss to the lowly Lions and missing several key offensive pieces. Steelers, 24-14
Eddie Provident (6-6): I'd be a lot more worried for the Steelers if Cook and Thielen were playing. I expect T.J. Watt to continue to cause chaos while the offense does just enough (again) to get the job done. Steelers, 21-17
Dejan Kovacevic (4-8): Everyone hates when we all pick the same outcome, so I'll lie right here and print that I expect the visitors to lose. Even though I don't. At all. Really liked that fourth-quarter offensive pace against the Ravens. But, dutifully, I submit ... Vikings, 92-2
Let's have your picks in the comments!