Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 6-2 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Steelers - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 10
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
If the New York Giants game signals the midseason point for the Washington Commanders, the second half of their 2024 engagements is far more challenging. The Pittsburgh Steelers visit Northwest Stadium in Week 10, which is a tough test versus one of the league's best defenses to counteract.
Not many expected the Steelers to make waves in 2024. Mike Tomlin rolled the dice with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at the quarterback position. The perceived strength of others in the AFC North left analysts wondering if the head coach was bracing himself for a first losing season since taking the job.
Turns out the joke was on them.
Pittsburgh is among the league's surprise packages at 6-2 atop the division. Tomlin's decisions throughout the offseason are reaping significant rewards. Even putting Wilson into the lineup at the expense of Fields - something that came in for scathing criticism - has gone off without a hitch.
This is one of the toughest challenges remaining for Dan Quinn. The Commanders need to be ready for the physical challenge. Their offensive line must restrict an outstanding defensive front led by All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt. Washington's improving secondary needs to keep George Pickens and Najee Harris quiet. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.
To make matters worse, this is also the second time in three weeks that the Commanders are facing a team coming off their bye week. The Steelers will be fresh and well-prepared. That's a big problem for Washington in pursuit of keeping its exceptional home record intact.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (7-3)
This could legitimately go either way right now. The Commanders are in tremendous form right now, but so are the Steelers. It has all the makings of a fascinating battle between two storied franchises. But the prolonged rest and extra preparation time might be enough to tip the scales in Pittsburgh's favor slightly.