close
close
5 Steelers-Eagles duels that could decide the outcome of Week 15

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Week 15 contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles is finally here! The Steelers’ injury-plagued roster leaves much to be desired early in the game, but several key matchups will be crucial in deciding the winner between the two Pennsylvania teams. With that in mind, here are five of the key position battles between the Steelers and Eagles in Week 15.

DT Cam Heyward vs. RG Landon Dickerson:

Joe Sargent/Getty ImagesJoe Sargent/Getty Images

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Dickerson and Heyward are both having arguably their best seasons yet in 2024. If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to have a chance in this contest, the pass rush starting with Heyward will be crucial.

WR Mike Williams vs. CB Darius Slay:

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) makes a catch against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesDec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) makes a catch against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) makes a catch against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

While rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell will take advantage of some opportunities to cover the big-volume WR, Williams will likely see Slay accompany him wherever he goes. If Williams can step up in George Pickens’ absence, expect the Black and Gold to win.

OLB TJ Watt vs. RT Lane Johnson:

Joe Sargent/Getty ImagesJoe Sargent/Getty Images

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

After struggling against RT Jack Conklin last week and in Week 12, Watt has shown that he isn’t completely battle-proof. Johnson, arguably the Eagles’ best offensive player, will look to give the former 2021 DPOY a long night

RB Najee Harris vs. LB Zach Baun:

Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (23) in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY SportsOct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (23) in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson (23) in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Harris’ dual-threat skills meet Baun’s impressive do-it-all linebacker style. Baun played like one of the best LBs in the league while Harris was inconsistent at times. This duel could set the tone of the competition early on.

CB Joey Porter Jr. vs. WR AJ Brown:

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) points against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesOct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) points against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Oct. 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) points against the New York Jets in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Aside from the Eagles’ drama, Porter faces a tall task as he tries to stop Philadelphia’s Hurts-Brown connection. Penalties have bothered Porter, but his overall performance will be crucial in limiting the pass and allowing the defense to focus on RB Saquon Barkley.

More about the 2024 season, week 15 – Steelers vs. Eagles!

How Steelers injuries could force Minkah Fitzpatrick to get back in shape

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni sees “Hard Knocks” as an advantage over the Steelers

Mike Tomlin details how the Steelers will handle Weeks 15-17 in 10 days

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 Steelers-Eagles matchups that could decide the outcome of Week 15

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *