AFC Dueling Predictions: Can the Steelers Prevail Where Colts and Pats Failed?

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 their loss last year in the AFC Championship Game.

With Damien Woody out and the Patriots surging, plus 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, and although the Steelers are the home team and have more hype surrounding them going into this game, what makes them any stronger than either of the teams the Jets have already dispatched this postseason?

Many articles will give you a look at the game, but 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 that 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 that 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, wild card) @ 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. It's 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 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 Darrelle Revis is covering is going to be just about useless offensively. So you hope you can go at Antonio Cromartie, but if they get Rashard 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 overestimating the Patriots defense. Pittsburgh’s defense is a far more dominant beast, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Steelers defense outscores the Jets offense.

That's only two of the guys making predictions. 

Want to hear how the other three guys picked? Not everyone picked the Steelers.

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!