Washington Hosts Pittsburgh in a Must-Watch Week 10 Matchup

As Week 10 of the NFL season unfolds, the 7-2 Washington Commanders are set to face off against the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers at home in Landover, MD. Both teams come into this game with solid records and plenty to prove. With each squad boasting a unique set of strengths and challenges, several key questions are poised to shape the outcome of this exciting matchup.

1. Can Russell Wilson Continue His Momentum After the Bye Week?

The Steelers have undergone a significant quarterback change this season, shifting from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson. The move has sparked questions about the team’s future quarterback, but Wilson has breathed life into the Steelers’ offense. With the bye week to rest and regroup, will Wilson’s ability to exploit defenses with his deep passing game and play-action mastery remain the key to Pittsburgh’s success, or will Washington’s defense find a way to shut it down?

2. How Will Washington Handle the Steelers’ Aggressive Defense?

Pittsburgh’s defense, under the direction of Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, is as aggressive as they come. With standout players like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers’ defensive line and secondary will be a formidable challenge for Washington’s offense. How will the Commanders handle Pittsburgh’s high-pressure defense, particularly when it comes to limiting turnovers and maintaining control of the game?

3. Will Arthur Smith’s Scheme Continue to Elevate Pittsburgh’s Offense?

In his first season as offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith has made impressive strides in transforming Pittsburgh’s offense, despite injuries on the offensive line. The running game, led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, has been the heart of the offense, while the passing game has found success with Wilson’s deep throws. Will Smith’s system continue to find success against Washington’s defense, or will the Commanders’ defensive line stymie Pittsburgh’s ability to establish the ground game?

4. Who Will Step Up as the X-Factor for Pittsburgh?

The Steelers have added new talent in recent weeks, such as Mike Williams from the Jets, to complement their already potent offense. Wide receiver Calvin Austin has also emerged as a key piece, utilizing his speed to create mismatches. On the defensive side, rookies like Beanie Bishop and Keanu Benton are making waves. Who will emerge as the game-changer in this matchup, and how will these lesser-known players influence the outcome?

5. What Will Be Washington’s Strategy Against Pittsburgh’s Play-Action?

With Pittsburgh’s offense relying heavily on play-action and vertical passing, Washington’s defensive game plan must account for these threats. Will the Commanders be able to contain Pittsburgh’s deep shots to receivers like George Pickens and Mike Williams, or will they get caught out of position? Meanwhile, Washington’s offense must overcome the Steelers’ disciplined pass rush and ball-hawking secondary to create explosive plays.

With so many questions surrounding both teams, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling battle that could define the playoff trajectories for both franchises. The outcome will likely hinge on how each team can manage the key matchups mentioned above, and fans will certainly be in for a treat as these two juggernauts collide on Sunday afternoon.