Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Week 16 Free Picks

Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Week 16 Free Picks: It’s going to be snowing in Pittsburgh, or at least cold enough to do so. I’m not saying California has a Mexico-like heat going on right now, but Pittsburgh plays good football in their weather, and they have an attack that can hurt the Panthers in so many ways, John Fox is going to be ecstatic to turn in his whistle at the end of the season.

The Panthers seem to be in a definite bind going into this match-up. See, all they can do is run the ball and the Steelers only struggle against solid passing teams. The Steelers shut down opposing rushing attacks like it’s their job. In the “rushing yards allowed” arena, there’s no better gladiator than the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows just 63.4 yards per game on the ground. Ridiculous. Lately they’ve slipped down the “passing yards allowed” list to #24, but like I said, the Panthers can only run the football.

Offensively, the Steelers have the players to make Carolina worry about everything. The Panthers can’t gang up against the pass or run, as Big Ben and his cast of speedy, sure-handed wide receivers can beat them if they do so. They can’t gang up against the pass, because even with a depleted offensive line, Rashard Mendenhall and company can get them on the ground.

It doesn’t help that the Steelers are ready to get back in the win column after a tough loss to the Jets in Pittsburgh last weekend. Also, the Panthers finally won last week – and without some crazy hunger to get a win, this team really doesn’t even stand a puncher’s chance – you’d have to be a puncher first. I know it’s public loving the favorites all over the board here, but how can the Steelers not beat up on the Panthers?

Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-14)