NFL Dueling Predictions: Can the Jets Beat the Steelers To Win the AFC?

The Jets weren't supposed to beat Peyton Manning and the Colts in Indianapolis, but they didn't let the odds deter them from avenging the loss last year in the AFC Championship game.

With Damien Woody out and the Patriots surging and a huge loss to New England earlier in the season, most experts "knew" that the Jets were going to lose when visiting Foxborough, but "amazingly", Rex Ryan and his team are still standing, still playing, keeping their eyes on the prize.

Now it's time for Pittsburgh, another huge test.

Many articles will give you a look at the game, and why get just one perspective on a game when you can hear the various points of view from a round-table of folks who might have different outlooks on how a sporting contest will be decided?  The shows on television have multiple analysts, so why not have the same type of display in an article?

That's the line of thinking which brought about the Dueling Predictions articles on my site, GuysNation.com.  Just as we did for the majority of the season, this week, we took a look at the various games on the NFL slate, and the result is an interesting read which shares the various perspectives of the authors involved. 

The backbone of the article is written by a Philadelphia Eagles fan, so you know he's got his opinion.  Another is a Steelers fan.  The third guy is a Saints fan, and as for me, I like the Washington Redskins.

Here's a taste of the Dueling Predictions:

No. 6 New York Jets (11-5, wildcard) @ No. 2 Pittsburgh (12-4 AFC North Champion)

Another rematch from the regular season. The Jets went to Pittsburgh week 15 and won. The Steelers haven’t lost since. Each team is coming off a big, emotional win against a bitter divisional rival. The Jets ran their mouths and then did a great job bottling up Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense. Pittsburgh went down 21-7 and came back winning a much higher scoring game than I would have imagined.

So far, this week has lacked the verbal fireworks of last week. Its not “personal” between Rex and anyone on the Steelers. I’ve heard numerous Jets raining respect upon Ben Roethlisberger. Finally, yesterday or today, Steeler CB Ike Taylor has said Santonio Holmes is in for a world of hurt. THAT’s more like it! Both of these teams are known for their defense. Like I thought with the Baltimore game, this game could be a low scoring defensive slugfest.

How the Jets Win: Mark Sanchez doesn’t screw up. He has to play a clean game. No interceptions. No dancing around in the pocket and taking unnecessary sacks. This game really boils down to which offense can move the ball. Pittsburgh’s run defense is stellar, so the weight is gonna be on the “Sanchize”.

How the Steelers Win: If they can establish the run and work the ball in the middle of the field to Heath Miller, Hines Ward, or Antwaan Randle El. The Jets corners have been very good, and whoever Revis is covering is going to be just about useless, offensively. So you hope you can go at Cromartie, but if they get Mendenhall going, the middle of the field will open up for the guys now covered by Revis or Cromartie.

Better Offense: Steelers. A huge tilt in Pitt’s favor at Quarterback. Skill positions are close to a push. Slight edge for the Jets at wide receiver.

Better Defense: Man, it's close. A huge thing for Pittsburgh will be if Aaron Smith returns from his tricep injury. A slight edge to the Jets, partly because of how well they game planned for New England, and partly because Pittsburgh gave up 24 last week.

Better Special Teams: New York. I think Cromartie could be a difference maker in “flipping the field”. Edge to Pittsburgh for field goal kicking, even though NY’s Nick Folk did kick a game winner at Indianapolis. Jets have one of the best punters in the league. Laugh, but field position could be huge in this game.

MY PICK: Pittsburgh

Rob’s Pick:  The Steelers.  Remember last week when I said the Jets were going to lose to the Patriots because they were going to have problems running the ball without offensive lineman Damien Woody?  I was over-estimating the Patriots defense.  Pittsburgh’s defense is a far more dominant beast, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Steelers defense out-scores the Jets offense.

That's only two of the guys making predictions. 

Want to hear how the other three guys picked?

Want to share your opinion either through a comment, voting, or both? 

Care to check how the other games were analyzed, possibly to share your opinion on that?

Check out the full article over at GuysNation.com!