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Pittsburgh Steelers-Seattle Seahawks: Keys to game and who will win and why

By Derek Harper, The Sports Xchange
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) steps back to pass against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on November 15, 2015. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI
1 of 2 | Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) steps back to pass against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on November 15, 2015. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) at Seattle Seahawks (5-5)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at CenturyLink Field, Seattle - TV: CBS

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*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson

*Keys to the game: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had a bye week to let his sprained foot heal, and he'll need every ounce of mobility he can muster. Seattle doesn't like to blitz heavily, but the Seahawks must get to Big Ben early and often due to mismatches downfield. Pittsburgh can combat the pass rush with dump-offs to RB De'Angelo Williams and TE Heath Miller, who should be a factor with Seattle giving up yet another touchdown to a tight end last week.

The Seahawks' maligned offensive line might be coming off its best performance of the season, and undrafted rookie RB Thomas Rawls is showing quickness to the hole and excellent physicality. He will start again in place of Marshawn Lynch (abdomen). First down is key for the Seahawks, who have struggled with penalties that put the offense in difficult situations but can move the chains with some momentum if QB Russell Wilson isn't scrambling for his life from the snap.

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*Matchup to watch - Steelers WRs Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant vs. Seahawks cornerbacks: Cary Williams has been repeatedly burned over the top in his first year in Seattle - a serious no-no in this scheme. That has led to Richard Sherman often mirroring the opponent's best receiver, but the Steelers bring two big-play threats to town.

Does Sherman man up against the excellent route-running of Bryant or the size and athleticism of Bryant ... or stay on the left side? Williams was benched during last week's game, replaced by DeShawn Shead. Shead and Jeremy Lane, returning for the first time since suffering a gruesome broken arm in the Super Bowl, are best suited in the nickel. Whoever lines up opposite Sherman will be a popular target.

*Player spotlight - Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett: The rookie burst onto the scene with his return skills, but has become a growing factor in the offensive game plan as the season has progressed. That includes four catches - two touchdowns - on five targets last week, and his speed an elusiveness is well-catered to the big shots Wilson looks for on busted plays.

*Fast facts: The Steelers beat the Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in Detroit. ... Wilson is 6-0 career against AFC teams at home with a 106.3 passer rating, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions.

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WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Steelers are ranked fifth in rushing defense, but numbers have been skewed by dominating performances against inferior teams. Seattle appears to be gaining some cohesion on the offensive line, but it's again the Legion of Boom that falls prey to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and his big-play weapons.

*Our pick: Steelers 27-23.

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