Tag: divisional matchup

Alex Highsmith confident Steelers can bounce back heading into Week 18

Steelers ROLB Alex Highsmith sees Week 18 as the perfect chance to bounce back against the Bengals after a rough losing streak.

Morale is at an all-time low for the Pittsburgh Steelers following three consecutive losses during the ’10-day stretch of doom’ that saw the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs soundly defeat the Steel City’s beloved Black and Gold.

However, Steelers ROLB Alex Highsmith isn’t lacking confidence and believes it is just a matter of time before Pittsburgh returns to the winning ways displayed earlier in the season.

The Steelers edge rusher spoke with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, and argued that Week 18’s matchup—a divisional showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals—is the perfect opportunity to showcase what the Steelers are truly capable of. To make this return to form a reality, Highsmith believes the recipe for success is simple: “We’ve just got to put our heads down and work.”

The Cincinnati Bengals are on the verge of earning a playoff berth and could look to pull out all the stops with their electrifying offense led by QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase. Fans can tune into the action-packed divisional contest on January 4th at 5:00 PM EST.

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Halftime analysis of Texans’ Week 8 matchup vs. Tennessee

The #Texans are facing a four-point deficit at halftime, and need a strong showing in the third and fourth quarters to pull out a win.

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The Houston Texans were able to hang tough against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of their Week 8 matchup and will need a strong showing in the last two quarters to pull out an improbable victory. In a game that has been defined by the Titans’ quarterback situation, with rookie Malik Willis getting his first NFL start, the Texans are seeking to show that they can get a win over a quality opponent that has run their division in recent years.

Derrick Henry remains a thorn in their defense’s side, and Davis Mills hasn’t been able to get their offense in gear, but somehow Houston is still in a position to turn this game into something special in the second half with the right adjustments.

Down 7-3 heading into the third quarter, here is what we saw in the first half of this divisional matchup:

Seahawks vs. 49ers: Week 8 preview and prediction

The Seattle Seahawks have a chance to ink another divisional win if they are successful over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8.

The Seattle Seahawks have only lost a single game this year and sit in first place in the NFC West, but are already in a precarious position and face a virtual must-win game versus the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers are the reigning conference champions and have won their last two games, but have hardly played like one this season. The Super Bowl hangover is clearly affecting the team. After losing only three games all year in 2019, the Niners have matched their loss total as they sit at 4-3 and last place in the division.

Injuries have hamstrung the 49ers’ efforts to remain conference heavyweights, especially along their vaunted defensive line to Solomon Thomas and Nick Bosa, who left with season-ending injuries in Week 2. Other Niners are banged up, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who has missed playing time due to an ankle injury.

Unfortunately, the Niners won’t be the only team limping into Sunday’s game, as the Seahawks are almost equally banged up.

Defensive back Shaquill Griffin is out, the top three running backs are all game-time decisions, and Benson Mayowa, Ryan Neal and star safety Jamal Adams are all questionable as well.

Russell Wilson may have an NFL-best record since 2012 of 31-8 following a loss, but will it be enough to overcome the Niners by himself?

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