Steelers vs. Jets, Week 16: Bold and Bizarre predictions for the Steelers clash with the Jets

The Steelers are closing in on a playoff berth that seemed so unlikely after a start of 0-3 and 1-4, but the offense came off track against Buffalo last week. This week, Devlin Hodges will face another tough defense in the form of the Jets.

Will Le’Veon Bell or the Steelers get their version of revenge? Can Duck get it going or will we see Mason Rudolph again? Will JuJu Smith-Schuster actually play? Will the absurd 21-game streak of the Steelers committing a turnover continue? With these questions, story lines, and more, I’ve compiled a list of predictions (some basic, and some utterly idiotic) to look for in this pivotal contest.

Last week, I came close, but ultimately whiffed on most of my predictions after getting many the week before. Let’s see if I can rebound this week.

• James Conner leads all Steeler rushers with 78 yards on the ground and a score.
• Amara Darboh gets his first TD as a Steeler. (Darboh’s inactive status hurts this prediction)
• JuJu Smith-Schuster returns to action with a TD. His celebration commemorates the 18th anniversary of a passenger on American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris, Richard Reid, who unsuccessfully attempted to destroy the plane in flight by igniting explosives he’d hidden in his shoes. The plan was thwarted when passengers tackled him and forcibly removed his shoes. JuJu recreates the event by tackling and removing the shoes of Kerrith Whyte Jr.
• The Steelers’ defense shuts down Sam Darnold and the Jet offense for the most part, but No. 26 scores twice.
• After going to see the last installment of Star Wars with Devlin Hodges, Zach Banner catches his first and only pass as a Steeler the next day. No. 72 must have bought the popcorn.
• Le’Veon Bell invades the 50-yard line at Halftime to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Live Aid’s “Do they know it’s Christmas” by performing his hip-hop version of the Christmas classic. No proceeds are collected, nor would they have been donated to starving children anyway.
• Mike Hilton and Minkah Fitzpatrick both pick off Darnold.
• Bud Dupree gets two sacks of Sam Darnold to join T.J. Watt in double digits.
• Watt gets two sacks himself to get to 15. One shy of James Harrison’s team lead.
• Duck Hodges throws for 220 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. No. 6 also continues to make plays with his legs by rushing for 27 yards.
• Hodges ends up playing the entire contest.
• The Steelers and the Jets won’t put up too many points, so take the under and the Steelers 21-13.

Will any of this actually happen? I’ll bet at least one or two. Heck, maybe every one of them. Be sure to post your predictions — basic or bizarre — below.