The New York Giants (2-5) will face the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) tonight on Monday Night Football, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Steelers, looking strong in the AFC North, are six-point favorites, with a low over/under set at 36.5 points, indicating expectations for a defensive, low-scoring affair. The Steelers recently switched quarterbacks, with Russell Wilson taking over and leading them to a win against the Jets last week with 264 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus a strong ground game from Najee Harris.
Meanwhile, the Giants have struggled offensively, particularly in scoring and protecting quarterback Daniel Jones, scoring just 10 points over the last two games. Rookie WR Malik Nabers, who returned from a concussion last week, will be a critical target, especially as QB Daniel Jones looks to bounce back from a season-low 99-yard game. They'll be looking to rebound and generate momentum in a challenging environment on the road tonight.
Game Info
Date: Monday, October 28
Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stadium: Acrisure Stadium
TV Info: ESPN (Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call)
Giants Uniform Info: White Tops, Gray Pants
Steelers Team Statistical Rankings
Points Per Game: 23.0 (16th)
Points Allowed Per Game: 14.4 (2nd)
Offensive Yards Per Game: 314.1 Yards (20th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Per Game: 180.1 Yards Passing (26th) and 134.0 Yards Rushing (9th)
Defensive Yards Allowed Per Game: 298.3 Yards (8th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 217.3 Yards Passing (22nd) and 81.0 Yards Rushing (2nd)
Third Down Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 38% (18th) and 34% (10th)
Red Zone Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 52% (17th) and 47% (9th)
Penalties: 33 (T-20th)
Penalty Yardage: 275 Yards (T-14th)
Players Ruled Out
Steelers: RB Cordarrelle Patterson, C Zach Fraizer, LB Nick Herbig, LB Tyler Matakevich
Giants: CB Adoree' Jackson, LB Ty Summers, P Jamie Gillan
Pittsburgh Steelers
Defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 defense has been a cornerstone of their success, ranking among the top units in the NFL in multiple categories. This group excels particularly in run defense, allowing only 81 yards per game (2nd in the NFL), thanks to a formidable front led by T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Alex Highsmith. Their ability to apply relentless pressure off the edge, combined with strong interior play, has forced opponents to abandon the run game early, helping the Steelers control field position and game tempo.
However, the Steelers’ secondary has been more vulnerable, ranking 22nd in passing yards allowed per game. Despite notable performances from Joey Porter Jr. and veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick, the backfield has occasionally struggled with coverage breakdowns, especially against teams with deep, versatile receiving corps. Adding depth, such as Patrick Queen at linebacker and DeShon Elliott at safety, has provided versatility and reduced the risk of any single injury. However, they are still refining their secondary coverage as they face stronger offenses.
To slow down the Giants, the Steelers will need to maintain their pass-rushing dominance, pressuring New York’s offensive line to disrupt the timing of quarterback Daniel Jones. It will be essential to focus on containing Jones’s mobility and capitalizing on their pass-rush depth, including Watt and Highsmith. Additionally, keeping Giants playmaker Malik Nabers under control in the secondary will prevent explosive plays. Suppose the Steelers can force the Giants into predictable passing situations. In that case, their defensive line and secondary should be able to leverage Pittsburgh’s strengths to keep New York’s offense under pressure and off-balance.
Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense in 2024 has shown promising improvements, with Russell Wilson under center taking over Justin Fields for a second week and Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator, steering the unit towards a more balanced and potentially explosive approach. Smith's play-calling has emphasized a strong running game, leaning on Najee Harris, who is performing well in a contract year with consecutive 100-yard games and receiving support from backup Jaylen Warren. Harris and Warren have created a steady ground game, which is vital for setting up Wilson’s play-action opportunities and taking pressure off the offensive line, which, while improved, still battles inconsistencies, particularly in pass protection.
Despite limited early-season chemistry with his receivers, Wilson has adapted well to Smith’s play-action-heavy scheme, allowing him to take calculated shots downfield. This approach complements the Steelers’ top target, George Pickens, who has been central to the passing game with his size and ability to stretch the field. However, outside of Pickens, Pittsburgh lacks depth at wide receiver, with veterans like Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller contributing in a supporting role but without high production. Tight end Pat Freiermuth also adds reliability, especially on intermediate routes, which will be critical for Wilson against the Giants’ defense
For success against the Giants, the Steelers need to focus on controlling the pace of the game through their rushing attack, especially given New York's recent struggles against the run. Establishing Harris early could open up play-action for Wilson, allowing him to find Pickens on deeper routes. Limiting turnovers and executing on third down will be key, especially as the Steelers aim to minimize mistakes and keep their defense fresh. Defensively stout themselves, the Steelers' offense does not need to be high-scoring but must be efficient and capitalize on red-zone opportunities to keep pressure on the Giants throughout the game.
New York Giants
Defense
The New York Giants' defense in 2024 has shown strength, especially in the secondary, where they rank among the top ten in the NFL for pass defense, allowing only 179.4 passing yards per game. This improvement is mainly due to Shane Bowen’s defensive scheme, which emphasizes coverage flexibility and mixing man and zone coverages to minimize explosive plays. Young defensive backs like Deonte Banks and Dru Phillips have stepped up to adapt to the new system, bringing dynamism that has helped the Giants avoid giving up cheap deep balls and forcing opponents to work through long drives.
However, run defense remains a significant challenge for the Giants, as they are allowing an average of 138.1 rushing yards per game, ranking in the bottom third of the league. Opponents have exploited gaps in the defensive line and linebacking corps, highlighting some inconsistencies in tackling and gap control. This vulnerability could be a problem against run-heavy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank second in the league for rushing defense, which may help them manage possession and keep the Giants’ defense on the field.
The Giants are solid but not exceptional in scoring defense, averaging 21.3 points allowed per game, placing them around the middle of the league. Their red-zone defense also reflects mixed results, with a 53.3% touchdown rate allowed, suggesting room for improvement in high-stakes situations. Improving their consistency in the red zone will be crucial against Pittsburgh’s balanced offense, as limiting field goals rather than touchdowns could be the difference-maker in keeping the game close.
To succeed against the Steelers, the Giants will need to tighten their run defense and control the line of scrimmage. Bowen may benefit from more aggressive blitz packages and potentially shifting to heavier defensive fronts to slow down the Steelers' ground game. Additionally, the secondary, led by Banks, should focus on containing explosive plays and forcing Steelers’ QB Russell Wilson into challenging throws under pressure. The Giants can control the tempo and set their offense up for more manageable field positions by solidifying their front and exploiting any Pittsburgh protection issues.
Offense
The New York Giants offense has developed under head coach Brian Daboll, who took over play-calling duties this season, but several challenges remain. While improvements are evident in certain areas like pass blocking, where the Giants have risen to 19th in league rankings, the offensive line still struggles with consistency, particularly in run blocking and during high-pressure situations. A significant issue lies with the performance of right tackle Evan Neal, who has yet to meet expectations set by his draft status. Alongside center John Michael Schmitz, who has also shown mixed results, this line will need more time and cohesion to provide reliable support for quarterback Daniel Jones and the rest of the offense.
One area where the Giants have notably underperformed is in the red zone. Despite ranking 11th in red-zone plays, they’ve converted just 46.2% of these opportunities into touchdowns, putting them 23rd in the league. This inefficiency has limited their scoring potential and led to critical points left on the field, especially in competitive games. Daboll's shift in offensive strategy has delivered better production from receivers Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson, each boasting improved receiving grades and helping Jones with more reliable targets. However, Jones' performance in the red zone remains a concern; his passing grade here places him 20th among league quarterbacks, indicating missed opportunities for tight-window throws and touch passes that could secure more touchdowns.
To succeed against the Pittsburgh Steelers' formidable defense, the Giants will need to emphasize quick, short-pass plays to offset any pass-rush pressure from Pittsburgh's defensive line. Improving red-zone efficiency will be crucial, as the Steelers excel at limiting big plays and forcing field goals. Additionally, keeping Daniel Jones composed under pressure—where he’s struggled—will be key. The Giants may need to lean on versatile play calls and quick routes that allow Jones to make fast reads, helping avoid turnovers and capitalize on red-zone opportunities that have plagued them so far.
Suppose the Giants can maintain a balanced approach with better run blocking and find ways to improve their red-zone execution. In that case, they stand a solid chance against Pittsburgh. Consistency and precision from both the offensive line and Jones will be necessary for a breakthrough performance, especially against the Steelers' relentless front seven.
Giants vs. Steelers Betting Info
Points Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5, New York Giants +6.5
Moneyline: Pittsburgh Steelers -275, New York Giants +240
Over/Under: 36.5
Lines via FanDuel as of October 28, 2024
The Steelers enter as significant favorites with a spread of -6.5, reflecting their strong defensive ranking, which allows only 14.4 points per game, and their effective rush defense. The Giants' struggling offense, which has averaged just 14.1 points per game and ranks near the bottom of the league, will face challenges breaking through Pittsburgh’s high-performing front line and pass rushers, particularly T.J. Watt. This matchup makes the under a popular bet, as both teams tend to play in lower-scoring games.
For the Giants to cover the spread or even pull an upset, Daniel Jones and the offensive line will need to improve their red-zone efficiency and limit turnovers, particularly against Pittsburgh’s opportunistic secondary.
Prediction
In this Monday Night Football matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter as solid favorites due to their impressive defense, which ranked second in the league for the fewest points allowed. On the other hand, the Giants have faced persistent struggles on offense, averaging just 14.1 points per game, and continue to grapple with red-zone inefficiencies and frequent pressure on Daniel Jones due to a shaky offensive line. With key injuries further weakening the Giants' already underperforming line, facing Pittsburgh's relentless pass rush led by T.J. Watt could make for a tough night.
While not elite, the Steelers’ offense has proven effective enough in recent games and has averaged 23 points per game. Given the Giants’ recent performances and the Steelers’ defensive strength, this game is expected to be low-scoring. Pittsburgh will likely control the pace, capitalize on field position, and win the battle in the trenches.
Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, New York Giants 10
Main Image via
Kommentarer