Saints: What are the Chances...?

The Saints are a one-point favorite over the Steelers and have a significant home field advantage, courtesy of a very loud Superdome. New Orleans also possesses the type of offense that is capable of giving the Steelers big problems, and I expect to see Drew Brees throwing the ball early and often in an effort to test Pittsburgh's pass defense. Still, it wouldn't surprise me if the Steelers pulled off an upset tonight. After all, Ben Roethlisberger may put up big numbers himself in the Superdome's controlled conditions. And Pittsburgh should relish hunting the defending Super Bowl champion, a change of pace from being in the role of the hunted.

I'm giving the Steelers a 55 percent chance of winning tonight. For what it's worth, What are the Chances...? is 4-2 in 2010 and 52-22 all-time.

Dolphins: What are the Chances…?

Much has been made of the fact that Pittsburgh will be wearing its black jerseys tomorrow—and that the forecast calls for it to be hot, with temperatures in the high 80s at kickoff. But the Steelers won two warm weather games back in September (at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay), and in both of those contests temperatures were in the 90s. So I’m guessing that the heat will be a non-factor.

Meanwhile, it’s difficult to imagine Miami’s offense having a lot of success against Pittsburgh’s rugged defense. So the outcome figures to ride on whether or not the Dolphins can limit the production of Ben Roethlisberger and still-improving feature back Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers are favored by three points—a line I think they can cover. I’m giving the Steelers a 55 percent chance. As you may know, What are the Chances…? is 3-2 thus far in 2010, and 51-22 all-time (68.5% winning percentage).

Hines Ward’s Atlanta Home Featured in Architectural Digest

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward doesn’t rate a cover line in the November 2010 issue of Architectural Digest (Rob Lowe cover, plus Steve Wynn, Oliver Stone, T. Boone Pickens, James Belushi, Anna Fendi, and C.C. Sabathia), but his Atlanta home (designed by David Grace, with interior design by Ann Davis) is featured in a six-page spread. Steelers fans will be most interested in Ward’s trophy room, which includes a re-creation of his Steelers locker, “where he keeps his Super Bowl jerseys, the cleats and helmets he wore in those memorable games … and even his Super Bowl ring.” The room also features framed jerseys from the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Jerome Bettis, and Hall of Famers Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Franco Harris, and Terry Bradshaw. Check it out on newsstands now.

Browns: What are the Chances...?

Pittsburgh has won just two of its past seven games against AFC North foes, including a 13-6 loss at Cleveland near the end of last season. But the return of QB Ben Roethlisberger (10-1 vs. the Browns) ought to invigorate the Steelers’ worst-in-the-NFL passing game and provide a big lift to Pittsburgh’s offense. Meanwhile, it figures to be a long day for Browns rookie QB Colt McCoy, who will be making his first NFL start. Unless WR/KR/QB Joshua Cribbs has a career-type day—or the Steelers repeatedly turn the ball over—the Steelers should win and cover the 14-point spread. Steelers: 90 percent chance of victory.

What are the Chances…? Is 2-2 this season and 50-22 all-time.

Ravens 17, Steelers 14

The absence of Ben Roethlisberger finally caught up to the Steelers today, who lost to the Ravens 17-14 on a last minute Joe Flacco touchdown pass. The game did nothing to dissuade me from the notion that the Steelers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender (with Roethlisberger).

“What are the Chances….?” is now 2-2 on the season and 50-22 all-time.

Ravens: What are the Chances...?

This game is a toss-up, a battle of two of the best defenses in the NFL. If Ben Roethlisberger were starting for Pittsburgh I’d favor the Steelers. But with Charlie Batch in relief, Joe Flacco gives the Ravens a big advantage at QB. That’s why I’m giving the Steelers a 45 percent chance.

“What are the Chances….?” Is 1-2 this season and 49-22 all-time.