While not traditional rivals, the Colts and Steelers have played in several classic games over the years that includes one of the most exciting conference title games ever played.
In the 1995 AFC title game, Jim Harbaugh nearly completed a last-second Hail Mary that would have given the Colts an improbable win over the highly-favored Steelers. The ball, though, bounced off the Three Rivers Stadium surface before being corralled by receiver Aaron Bailey, sealing the Steelers’ 20-16 victory.
This Sunday’s game has all the makings of another highly-competitive game between the two teams. The Colts come in the game with an NFL-best 7-1 record. Conversely, Pittsburgh (4-3) is trying to get back on track after losing consecutive games that included 68 points allowed by its defense.
Where to watch Colts vs. Steelers live
- When: Sunday, Nov. 2 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Where: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Odds: Colts -3; O/U 50.5 (via FanDuel)
Colts vs. Steelers: Need to know
- Sagging Steelers defense: Pittsburgh’s defense has not come close this season to matching its lofty preseason expectations. The Steelers have given up the most passing yards in the NFL, are 22nd in the league in points allowed and are 24th in third down efficiency. Pittsburgh has also allowed three opposing running backs to run for over 100 yards this season.
- MVP watch: On Sunday, the Steelers’ defense will be tasked with trying to slow down Jonathan Taylor, the league’s leading rusher who is on pace to possibly become the first non-QB to win league MVP since 2012. Taylor has run for 248 yards and four touchdowns in three prior games against the Steelers.
- Indiana Jones: Along with Taylor, the Colts are getting an MVP-caliber season from quarterback Daniel Jones. Through eight games, the former Giants’ first-round pick has completed 71.3% of his passes with 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. On Sunday, he’ll face a Steelers defense that allowed Joe Flacco and Jordan Love to throw for 702 yards and six touchdowns in consecutive weeks.
- Complementary football: While the offense is understandably getting most of the attention, the Colts’ defense has also been playing at a high level, especially when it comes to stopping the run and sacking opposing quarterbacks. The Colts are fifth in the NFL in sacks and eighth in rushing yards allowed, which are testaments to their talented defensive line, led by veteran DeForest Buckner.
- Possession down struggles: Aaron Rodgers & Co. are hoping to be much better on third down Sunday after going just 1 of 10 on third down during last week’s loss to the Packers. On paper, Pittsburgh should be better in that area Sunday against a Colts defense that is third-to-last in the NFL in third-down efficiency.
Colts vs. Steelers prediction, pick
If Pittsburgh’s defense can make just a few stops, that might be enough in what should be a high-scoring game. Rodgers should be able to take advantage of a Colts secondary that has given up the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL this year. Pick: Steelers +3; Over Over 50.5
