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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. The Six-Time Super Bowl Champions are a franchise whose tradition dictates a standard of excellence, and their fans expect nothing less year in and year out. Those very same ideals translate to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers Game Day Preview, a guide that all Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and weekly opponent!
Mike Drakulich, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle with The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Broadcast Information, and complete breakdown of each team. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
Just outside the city limits of Pittsburgh you have Kennywood, one of America’s most treasured amusement parks.
One of the more popular rides is the Steel Curtain, an amazing hypercoaster named in honor of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Life certainly imitates art when it comes to those Steelers, as the up and down thrill ride continues in this 2025 season.
Just when you think this team is great, they suck. Just when you think they suck, they’re great. There’s literally nobody outside of a time traveler that could accurately tell you what Steelers team is going to show up week to week.
The team was 4-1, before watching the defense implode in consecutive losses to Cincinnati and Green Bay. Then the Steelers went out and buried Indianapolis, who had the league’s best record. A week later, Pittsburgh was humbled by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Last week, despite losing Aaron Rodgers for the 2nd half, the Steelers crushed Cincinnati 34-12.
The same defense that allowed Ja’Marr Chase to catch 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, held both Chase and Tee Higgins to a combined six receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.
Now at 6-4, the Steelers hold a one game AFC North Division lead over Baltimore. Next up is a visit to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bears (7-3), a place that the Steelers have won one game out of the 13 games they’ve played there.
Despite missing the last two quarters, Rodgers is expected to start against the Bears, a team that he has dominated over his Hall of Fame career.
“There’s incentive for every opponent, but I have enjoyed many Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays in that city,” Rodgers said. “It’s a great sports town with phenomenal sports fans and a great place to play.”
If somehow Rodgers doesn’t suit up, the keys to the Pittsburgh offense will be handed over to Mason Rudolph, who played well in relief of Rodgers last week, passing for 127 yards and a touchdown.
“I just trust him,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about Rodgers. “This isn’t his first rodeo. Every player is different. It’s not like I’ve been with him a number of years, but I have a lot of trust in Aaron. He knows how to prepare. I’ve been in different circumstances like this before. Whatever happens, we’ll be good either way.”
When the Steelers have the ball: Aaron Rodgers has passed for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He’s been sacked 19 times.
D.K. Metcalf is the Steelers top receiver, pulling down 37 receptions for 551 yards and five touchdowns. Calvin Austin III has 22 catches for 242 yards and two touchdowns. Roman Wilson has elevated his game of late, and now has 12 catches for 166 yards and two scores. Perhaps we’ll see a deep ball to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, if he’s elevated from the practice squad.
It’s the Pittsburgh tight ends that inflict damage in the air attack, with Jonnu Smith leading the way with 26 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Darnell Washington excels at helping in the run game, and is becoming a danger catching the ball, as he has 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown. Not many corners want to see that guy running at full speed at them when he has the ball. Pat Freiermuth has picked up his game the past three weeks, and now has 23 receptions for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
Jaylen Warren continues to be a dual threat at running back, rushing for 536 yards and two touchdowns, adding 25 receptions for 219 yards and a touchdown. Kenneth Gainwell comes in to spell Warren, and is 2nd on the team with 244 yards, and has found the end zone three times. Gainwell is also 2nd on the team with 36 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Kaleb Johnson has yet to be utilized by Tomlin, gaining just 58 yards so far.
When the Bears have the ball: Caleb Williams is coming into his own as Bears quarterback, passing for 2,329 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Despite being sacked 16 times, he’s rushed for 272 yards and three more touchdowns.
Rome Odunze is the main weapon in the passing attack with 39 receptions for 600 yards and six touchdowns. D.J. Moore is a solid #2 receiver, catching 31 passes for 421 yards and a touchdown. He’s also rushed for 57 yards and a TD. Luther Burden III is having a nice rookie season with 19 catches for 249 yards and one touchdown. Olamide Zaccheaus is 2nd on the team with 32 receptions.
Colton Loveland has taken over as the Bears top tight end, contributing 24 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns. Cole Kmet is a solid #2 tight end, catching 16 passes for 192 yards and a score.
D’Andre Swift is the lead back, rushing for 634 yards and four touchdowns, adding 23 receptions for 210 yards and a TD. Rookie Kyle Monagai is 2nd on the team with 413 yards rushing and has found the endzone three times.
The Steelers path to victory: Be physical on both sides of the ball, and assert your dominance.
The Bears are going to try and run the ball down the Steelers throats behind Swift, Monagai, and the legs of Williams.
Chicago will do their best to control the ball and protect the ball. It’s up to the Steelers front seven to elevate their games, and shutdown the Bears ground game, and force Williams to try and beat the defense through the air.
The Pittsburgh defense has come on of late, especially the last two games, and if they continue to play like they have, they’ll have a good shot to keep this Chicago offense under wraps.
When Williams does drop back to pass, pressure is a must, as is keeping him contained in the pocket.
A big key is making the Bears to play from behind, where you can get Williams to try and force passes that could lead to some juicy turnovers.
As mentioned, Rodgers is expected to start, but even if Rudolph gets the call, this Pittsburgh offense has to take the fight to the Chicago defense, who will be missing all three of their starting linebackers in Tremaine Edmunds, T.J Edwards, and Noah Sewell.
The Bear defense is giving up 26.7 points a game, and that was with those guys playing.
I’d feed Jaylen Warren the ball and let him go to work, hopefully wearing down this Chicago defense in the 2nd half. It’s time for Rodgers to get his game back on track, and what better team to do it against than the team he has tormented over and over again? Also, there’s this Metcalf guy… might be a good idea to target him around 9-10 times.
A good balanced attack will lead to open running lanes, the opportunity to connect on some deep shots, and hitting guys like the massive Darnell Washington in stride and watching him destroy opposing players in the secondary attempting to tackle him.
Despite the history the Steelers have in Chicago, they do say the sun don’t shine on the same dog’s ass every day.
Pittsburgh knows they have to have this one to keep a game ahead of the Ravens, and with Buffalo and Baltimore coming up after this one, this is about a must win contest as it gets.
Prediction: Steelers 27 Bears 20
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) at Chicago Bears (7-3)
NFL Week 12
Vegas line: Chicago -2.5
Game-time: Sunday, November 23rd, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Field: Bermuda grass
Weather at Kickoff: Sunny and 52. Winds out of the West at 7 MPH.
NFL Links
Broadcast Information
TV: CBS | Local: KDKA-TV (Xfinity: Channel 802)
- Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) JJ Watt (analyst) | Evan Washburn (field reporter)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: N/A
- Announcers: N/A (play-by-play) N/A (analyst)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 6-4 (1st in AFC North)
Last game: Steelers 34 Bengals 12
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 189-111-2
- Playoff record: 8-11 (Qualified for playoffs 12 times)
Team Links
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 24.6 (12th)
- Total yards per game: 299 (29th)
- Passing yards per game: 210.8 (23rd)
- Rushing yards per game: 88.2 (29th)
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 41, but the arm and his wits are still top notch. Currently tied for 5th in the NFL with 19 touchdown passes. Suffered a micro-fracture on his non-throwing wrist vs Bengals.
Passing Yards: 1,969 | TD Passes: 19 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 19
Rushing Yards: 26 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #2
Passing Yards: 139 | TD Passes: 1 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: -1 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. 1st on the team with 536 yards rushing and has 25 catches for 219 yards receiving.
Rushing Yards: 536 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 219 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Gainwell is a Swiss Army knife that can step in at any time. Was superb while being the #1 back with Warren out against Minnesota. 2nd on the team with 36 receptions.
Rushing Yards: 244 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 36 | Receiving Yards: 204 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson, a 2025 3rd round pick, has been barely utilized so far this year. Sees maybe a carry or two a game.
Rushing Yards: 58 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
D.K. Metcalf | #4
Metcalf is a big, physical receiver, that is Aaron Rodgers’ top weapon in the passing game. Can make the most spectacular of catches, but is also prone to occasional drops. Leads the team with 37 catches for 551 yards and five touchdowns. Needs to be utilized more in the Steelers passing attack.
Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 551 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin, now in his 4th year, is slowly losing his grip as the #2 receiver. Averaging 11 yards per catch.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 242 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson is being used more often in the Pittsburgh passing game. Averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Had two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown vs Chargers.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 166 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Marquez Valdes-Scantling | #11
Signed as a free agent, on Practice Squad. Could be a great deep option for Rodgers if promoted to 53 man roster.
Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Scotty Miller | #13
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brian Skowronek | #15
Great blocker and special teams player, Skowronek had five catches for 69 yards last season. Was the recipient of Aaron Rodger’s first TD pass as a Steeler.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 35 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth is finally being featured more in the offense, now 2nd on the team with three touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 279 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Jonnu Smith | #81
Smith is a hybrid tight end/receiver… leads all tight ends with 26 receptions.
Receptions: 26 | Receiving Yards: 163 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Darnell Washington | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure at 6’7, 264 pounds. Big part of the offense, aiding the run game with his blocking, but now contributing with 14 receptions for 142 yards. There’s not a corner on this planet that wants this guy running at full speed at them with the ball.
Receptions: 18 | Receiving Yards: 209 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward will be utilized in a fullback/tight end role.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 1
KICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 25-25
Field Goals: 19-22
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 2-3
- 40-49 yards: 8-9
- 50+ yards: 7-8
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Broderick Jones | #77
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Troy Fautanu | #76
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.2 (17th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 368.1 (28th)
- Passing yards allowed: 261.7 (32nd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 106.4 (13th)
- Sacks: 33 (3rd)
- Interceptions: 9 (10th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 1.5
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 4.5
DE: Derrick Harmon | #99
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 38 | Sacks: 6 | INT: 1
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 78 | Sacks: 1
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 75 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
ROLB: Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 22 | Sacks: 6.5 | INT: 1
OR Alex Highsmith* | #56
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 5.5
SECONDARY
LCB: Darius Slay | #23
Tackles: 35 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
FS: Kyle Dugger | #29
Tackles: 12 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1 | TD: 1
SS: Jalen Ramsey | #25
Tackles: 47 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 25 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Chicago Bears
Overall record: 7-3 (1st in NFC North)
Last game: Chicago 19 Minnesota 17
Head Coach: Ben Johnson
- 1st Season with Chicago
- Overall regular-season record: 7-3 | 7-3 with Bears
- Playoff Record: 0-0
Team Links
Bears Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 25.8 (8th)
- Total Offense per game: 384.4 (4th)
- Passing yards per game: 237.8 (15th)
- Rushing yards per game: 146.6 (2nd)
QUARTERBACK
Caleb Williams | #18
Williams is starting to find his mojo under Ben Johnson’s system. Has been good at limiting turnovers so far.
Passing Yards: 2,329 | TD Passes: 13 | INT’s: 4 | Sacked: 16
Rushing Yards: 272 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Back-up: Tyson Bagent | #17
Passing Yards: 47 | TD Passes: 0 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 0
Rushing Yards: 7 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
D’Andre Smith | #4
Smith is having a solid season as the Bear’s top running back. Averaging 4.7 yards a carry.
Rushing Yards: 634 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 23 | Receiving Yards: 210 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Kyle Monagai | #25
Monagai has impressed as a rookie, 2nd on the team with 413 yards rushing.
Rushing Yards: 413 | Rushing TD’s: 3
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 97 | TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rome Odunze | #15
Odunze has become William’s top weapon in the passing game, leading the team with 39 receptions for 600 yards and six touchdowns.
Receptions: 39 | Receiving Yards: 600 | Receiving TD’s: 6
DJ Moore | #2
Moore is having a good but not great year, averaging 42.1 yards receiving a game. One to keep an eye on in the running game, as he’s rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 421 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 57 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Luther Burden III | #10
Burden III, the rookie out of Missouri, is averaging 13.1 yards per catch.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 249 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Olamide Zaccheaus | #14
Zaccheaus is 2nd on the team with 32 receptions.
Receptions: 32 | Receiving Yards: 248 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Devin Duvernay | #12
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 2 | Receiving TD’s: 0
TIGHT ENDS
Colston Loveland | #84
Loveland has become a big part of the Chicago passing attack, 3rd on the team with 329 yards receiving.
Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 329 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Cole Kmet | #85
Receptions: 16 | Receiving Yards: 192 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Durham Smythe | #81
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 8 | Receiving TD’s: 8
KICKER
Cairo Santos | #8
Extra Points: 21-21
Field Goals: 16-20
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 2-2
- 30-39 yards: 6-6
- 40-49 yards: 5-7
- 50+ yards: 3-5
Bears Defense
- Defensive System: 4-3
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 26.4 (26th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 364.6 (27th)
- Passing yards allowed: 231.3 (23rd)
- Rushing yards allowed: 133.3 (24th)
- Sacks: 21 (23rd)
- Interceptions: 15 (1st)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Montez Sweat | #98
Tackles: 32 | Sacks: 5.5
LDT: Grady Jarrett | #50
Tackles: 14 | Sacks: 0
RDT: Gervon Dexter, Sr. | #99
Tackles: 23 | Sacks: 4
RDE: Dominique Robinson | #90
Tackles: 11 | Sacks: 1.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Tremaine Edmunds* | #49
Tackles: 89 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 4
MLB: TJ Edwards* | #53
Tackles: 31 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SLB: Noah Sewell* | #44
Tackles: 55 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Nahshon Wright | #26
Tackles: 43 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 4
SS: Jaquan Brisker | #9
Tackles: 49 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
FS: Kevin Byard III | #31
Tackles: 53 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 5
RCB: Tyrique Stevenson | #29
Tackles: 41 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
*Injured/out
Steelers vs Bears History
Series History: Began in 1934
Overall Record: 8-19-1
- Home: 7-7-1
- Away: 1-12
- Postseason: 0-0
Streak: Pittsburgh won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 29-27 (Nov. 8, 2021)
Last postseason meeting: N/A
Injury Report (11/21/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: N/A
Out: None
Doubtful: LB Alex Highsmith (pec)
Questionable: QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist), CB Darius Slay (Concussion), DT Cameron Heyward (NIR – Rest/Ankle)
Chicago Bears
IR: N/A
Out: LB Tremaine Edmunds (Groin), LB T.J. Edwards (Hand/Hamstring), LB Noah Sewell (Elbow), RB Travis Homer (Hamstring/Knee), RB Roschon Johnson (Thumb)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: DB Jaquan Brisker (Shoulder), DB Kyler Gordon (Calf), DB Jaylon Johnson (Groin), OL Theo Benedet (Quad)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (6-4)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle | L- 31-17
Sun. Sept. 21 at New England | W- 21-14
Sun. Sept. 28 vs Minnesota | W- 24-21
BYE WEEK
Sun. Oct. 12 Cleveland | W- 23-9
Thur. Oct. 16 at Cincinnati | L- 33-31
Sun. Oct. 26 vs Green Bay | L- 35-25
Sun. Nov. 2 vs Indianapolis | W- 27-20
Sun. Nov. 9 at L.A. Chargers | L- 25-10
Sun. Nov. 16 vs Cincinnati | W- 34-12
Sun. Nov. 23 at Chicago* 1 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 30 vs Buffalo* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 7 at Baltimore* 1 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 15 vs Miami* 8:15 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 21 at Detroit* 4:25 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 28 at Cleveland* 1 p.m.
TBD TBD vs Baltimore* TBD
* *Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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