Most of you know I'm a big Steeler fan, so I'll try not to let my bias creep into this too much.
The NFL is all about matchups. That's why on any given Sunday, one team can beat another. However I don't see the Jets matching up well with Pitt. Where most see a close game, I see at least a two touchdown difference in favor of Pitt.
Jets strengths:
O-Line
Revis and Cromartie <(to a degree)
Sanchez (liability for the most part)
Us against the world syndrome (which is not to be underestimated... these are not grown men, they are overgrown teenagers who's minds need to be constantly codified and stoked with verbal intents).
Pitt strengths:
Battle tested
Defense (although not as dominant in playoffs or SB)
They expect to win
Battle tested
R. Burger (he does nothing but win)
Battle tested
X-factor:
Jets running game (see O-line)
Pittsburgh's atrocious special team play in crucial moments.
Sense of urgency/focus... Pitt didn't have it in their previous game with the Jets, and the Pats didn't have it, and it cost them.
Pittsburgh plays down their level.
The Jets play up their level.
Bonus:
Green Bay over the Bears. Seriously, who in their right mind would bet against Aaron Rogers at this point?
X-factor: the field!
EDIT: If any of these games are won by a field goal, I'm gonna puke.
The NFL is all about matchups. That's why on any given Sunday, one team can beat another. However I don't see the Jets matching up well with Pitt. Where most see a close game, I see at least a two touchdown difference in favor of Pitt.
Jets strengths:
O-Line
Revis and Cromartie <(to a degree)
Sanchez (liability for the most part)
Us against the world syndrome (which is not to be underestimated... these are not grown men, they are overgrown teenagers who's minds need to be constantly codified and stoked with verbal intents).
Pitt strengths:
Battle tested
Defense (although not as dominant in playoffs or SB)
They expect to win
Battle tested
R. Burger (he does nothing but win)
Battle tested
X-factor:
Jets running game (see O-line)
Pittsburgh's atrocious special team play in crucial moments.
Sense of urgency/focus... Pitt didn't have it in their previous game with the Jets, and the Pats didn't have it, and it cost them.
Pittsburgh plays down their level.
The Jets play up their level.
Bonus:
Green Bay over the Bears. Seriously, who in their right mind would bet against Aaron Rogers at this point?
X-factor: the field!
EDIT: If any of these games are won by a field goal, I'm gonna puke.