The Indianapolis Colts (4-6, 2-3 home) welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-7, 1-4 away) to end Week 12 of the NFL schedule on Monday Night Football. Monday’s meeting is the first between the two AFC franchises since Pittsburgh knocked off Indianapolis, 28-24, back in 2020.
The AFC showdown kicks off at 8:15 p.m. EST inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts a 2.5-point favorite, and the over/under total is 39.5 points.
What to Know – Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh comes in losers of three of its last four, including a narrow 37-30 defeat last week at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers sit at the bottom of the AFC North, trending toward the first losing season for the first time in head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure.
Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett took over the starting role after a brief experiment with former Chicago Bears’ starter Mitch Trubisky. Pickett has faced growing pains as a first-year pro, completing 65% of his throws for 1,426 yards, three touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Najee Harris started slowly over the first two months, with some questioning if the Steelers needed to move on from the former first-round pick. Harris has responded over the last two games, rushing for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 40 touches.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth leads the Steelers’ receiving core with 482 yards, while wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been targeted the most, hauling in 51 receptions. Rookie wideout George Pickens has emerged as another threat, adding 33 catches, 453 yards, and two TDs.
What to Know – Indianapolis Colts
The Colts let go of head coach Frank Reich two games ago, and interim head coach Jeff Saturday came in and immediately got Indianapolis back on the right track. Saturday was close to starting 2-0, but Indy was unable to hold on last week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After missing two games, starting quarterback, Matt Ryan returned to guide the offense two weeks ago. The veteran has completed 69% of his throws, but has thrown only ten touchdown passes to nine interceptions.
The ineffectiveness of the offense has impacted the rushing game and All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor’s numbers pale in comparison to last season, rushing 151 times for 693 yards and just three touchdowns.
Michael Pittman Jr. is the go-to Colt wide receiver, garnering 23% of the targets this season. Pittman Jr. has caught 67 passes for 678 yards but hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1. Parris Campbell has had better luck finding pay dirt, leading Indianapolis with three receiving touchdowns.
The Pick is In
Indianapolis has looked much better recently with Saturday calling the shots and healthy Matt Ryan. Pittsburgh defends the run well, so expect Ryan to go to the air early to open up the offense. The Colts aren’t out of the playoff picture just yet, and a victory Monday night over a rookie quarterback and struggling Steelers team will move them one win closer to a shot at the postseason.
The Pick: Indianapolis Colts -2.5
