IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans to kickoff at 1:00pm EST in Week 4 on Sunday, it’s time to take a look at who the SCN staff likes in this game. The current line for the game is PIT (-3.0) with a Total of 42.

But these picks are vs. the spread, or based on an over/under. These are straight up picks. So, let’s get to the prognostications.

Jeff Hartman

The Steelers made some steps in the right direction on Sunday Night Football in Week 3, and I think it’s time to see some strides. The Steelers are playing an opponent they should handle, and I think they do. Both offense and defense do their jobs, giving the team their third straight win heading into a huge Week 5 game vs. the Ravens. A late Texans score makes the final look much closer than it really was.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Texans 17

Dave Schofield

My biggest concern with this game is the fact that it’s not in prime time. It’s probably my own hangup, but the Steelers did not look good the last time they played at 1 PM. But that was last month. The Steelers will continue to roll on the road and win this one a little more decisive than the last two.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Texans 16

Jeremy Betz

The Steelers are facing a confident Houston team coming off a shellacking of the division rival Jaguars. This is good news for Steelers fans in two ways. One: nobody in the building will be underestimating the Texans heading into this matchup. Two: the Texans’ win was against a divisional opponent they have had recent success against. The Steelers pass rush is facing two backup tackles, and the offense is improving. All this equals to me a big win for the Steelers.

Prediction: Steelers 31, Texans 17

Anthony Defeo

This will likely be a game that’s decided by a few plays, mostly by the Steelers pass rush. Is C.J Stroud a better quarterback than Kenny Pickett? We won’t really find out on Sunday, since the formal will spend the afternoon running for his life behind the Texans’ putrid offensive line.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Texans 10

Shannon White

There are numerous variables in the Steelers favor this week. Mike Tomlin is 24-4 against rookie starting QBs. The Texans are beat up across their offensive line, and are missing both starting tackles. Watt and Highsmith should create havoc throughout. Plus, Steelers Nation should turn Houston into another impromptu home game. Conditions are right for a Steelers victory. I will stick to my Pump Your Brakes podcast prediction.

Prediction: Steelers 28, Texans 17

Big Bro Scho

The Steelers need to keep stacking wins. Going into last week I was already worrying about this game, as the Steelers would possibly overlook the Texans. I was then quite happy to see the Texans put a hurting on the Jags, as Jacksonville jagged out and overlooked the Texans. Hopefully the Steelers received the message loud and clear that Houston will show up and play hard every week. That said, the O-line of the Texans is in shambles right now, and the Steelers should be able to get pressure on rookie QB C.J. Stroud. Another good week from the defense and continued improvements on offense should be enough to get the Steelers the win.

Prediction: Steelers 26, Texans 19

K.T. Smith

As my students would say, this is a low-key big game for the Steelers. A win puts them at 3-1 with a division clash against the rival Ravens next week before they hit their bye week. Going home to play Baltimore off of back-to-back road wins could provide some nice momentum and get them to the bye at 4-1. Losing in Houston could be deflating and would raise the stakes for the game with the Ravens. You need to win the ones you can win to keep up in the competitive AFC, and this falls into that category for the Steelers. I think a pass rush that makes life miserable for C.J. Stroud and an improving Kenny Pickett provide the impetus to get it done.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Texans 17

What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming Week 4 game between the Steelers and Texans.