Steelers Daily Rundown: Underdogs, Quarterback Shakeups, and a Surprising Receiving Leader
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a pivotal Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions, the odds - and the analysts - aren’t exactly in their corner. According to NFL.com’s weekly preview, nine out of ten panelists are picking the Lions to win. Only Marcas Grant is siding with Pittsburgh.
And Vegas agrees. The Steelers head into Sunday’s game as 6.5-point underdogs, with a +270 money line on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 51.5, suggesting that oddsmakers are expecting a shootout - or at least a game where both teams move the ball effectively.
This game could be a defining moment for the Steelers, who have battled through injuries and inconsistency but remain in the playoff hunt. With T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig both dealing with injuries, Pittsburgh has been busy reloading its edge rusher depth, hosting four veteran pass-rushers for tryouts and making several roster moves to shore up the defense.
Kenneth Gainwell: The Unlikely Leader in the Passing Game
Here’s a stat that might make you do a double take: Kenneth Gainwell, listed as the Steelers’ backup running back, leads the team in receptions this season with 57.
That’s not a typo. In a season where Pittsburgh’s wide receiver production has been uneven and tight end usage sporadic, Gainwell has quietly become the most reliable target in the passing game. Whether it’s checkdowns, screens, or designed routes out of the backfield, he’s been a consistent safety valve for the Steelers' quarterbacks.
It’s a testament to Gainwell’s versatility and the coaching staff’s willingness to adapt. With the offense still searching for rhythm, especially in the red zone, his emergence as a pass-catcher could be a crucial factor down the stretch.
Dolphins Shake Up QB Room, Tua Benched
In Miami, things have taken a dramatic turn. Head coach Mike McDaniel has benched Tua Tagovailoa following the team’s Monday night loss, turning the keys over to rookie Quinn Ewers. Zach Wilson will serve as the backup, while Tua drops to the emergency third quarterback role.
The move comes amid criticism - including from J.J. Watt - over Tua’s demeanor after the loss.
Watt called out the quarterback for laughing on the field with Jalen Ramsey postgame, saying it “just isn’t a good look” after a tough defeat. Watt acknowledged he might sound like the old guy yelling at clouds, but his point resonated with fans who expect a certain level of intensity and accountability from their leaders.
Asante Samuel Jr. Makes a Statement
Asante Samuel Jr. made sure his presence was felt on Monday night, and his father, Asante Samuel Sr., wasn’t shy about celebrating it. After the younger Samuel’s standout performance, his dad took to social media to send a pointed message to the Dolphins, who passed on signing him.
“If they don’t want to sign my son… make them pay,” Samuel Sr. wrote. Message received.
Around the Steelers: Updates and Insight
- T.J. Watt Injury Update: J.J.
Watt provided a brief update on his brother’s lung injury, saying T.J. is “working through it.” The Steelers are hopeful he can return soon, but they’re clearly preparing for all scenarios with their recent roster moves.
- Ben Roethlisberger Weighs In: Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes this week’s game against the Lions will be a true litmus test.
If Pittsburgh can go on the road and beat one of the NFC’s top teams, it could validate their status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
- Roster Moves: Pittsburgh has been active, re-signing a versatile offensive weapon and bringing back a hard-nosed running back to help stabilize the offense. With the playoffs looming, depth and experience are becoming more valuable by the week.
- TV Coverage: Good news for fans - most of the country will get to watch the Steelers-Lions game on Sunday. It’s shaping up to be one of the marquee matchups of the weekend.
- Potential Help from Miami: The Dolphins recently waived a veteran edge rusher, and there’s already speculation that the Steelers could take a look. With Watt and Herbig banged up, it’s a move that could make sense.
The Steelers may be underdogs on paper, but this team has shown flashes of resilience all season. With Kenneth Gainwell stepping up, the defense grinding through injuries, and a big test on the horizon, Sunday’s clash in Detroit could be the moment Pittsburgh either fades or fights its way into the postseason picture.