CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' result, along with sharing a few related thoughts.
For a full preview of this matchup with the Panthers, check my Kickoff.
Chris Halicke (7-6): The Steelers typically do very well against Carolina. However, the circumstances are far different this time around. Most pressing is a reeling run defense that's been gashed by the Falcons and Ravens. Though the Panthers don't present the same type of threat with a mobile quarterback, they are averaging 154.6 rushing yards per game since trading Christian McCaffrey. This is a team that figured out how to run the football after trading away one of the premier running backs in the league. That's dangerous. This Steelers team is also 5-1 when they don't turn the ball over and 0-7 when they do. I simply don't trust Mitch Trubisky to not turn it over if he maintains an aggressive style of play. And going back to the timid, protective, conservative style won't help the offense score the points it needs to win the game. Panthers, 26-20
Matt Williamson (6-7): The Steelers lose another close game to a team that just runs and runs and runs on offense, and offers little to speak of in the passing game. That, as recent history has shown, doesn't favor the Steelers defense. But on the other side of the ball, the interior of the offensive line is going to have major problems with Derrick Brown. Dan Moore is going to have even more problems with Brian Burns. Carolina's linebackers and Jeremy Chinn should do well against Pat Freiermuth and their outside cornerbacks match up well against the Steelers top two wide outs. There are a lot of bad matchups for the Black and Gold in this one. Panthers, 17-16
Ramon Foster (5-8): The Steelers have to win this. Carolina is in such a disarray from a coaching standpoint to get the job done. This isn't a Baltimore-like week where you can say they have an identity. What is the Carolina Panthers' identity? Sam Darnold's playing? Ok, yeah, we should get him. I'm also going to say the Steelers will put up points this week because they've gotta let it hang out. Steelers, 24-17
Dejan Kovacevic (5-8): Man, I’ve got about as much oomph for this as one of those annual August trips here. Totally hollow. All of it. Even the contrived QB non-controversy this week. But hey, whatever, I don’t trust Trubisky to win anything. Panthers, 24-11
Let's have your picks in the comments!