The Pittsburgh Steelers were underdogs in two of their last three home games, winning both of them (over Indianapolis and Baltimore). But the script is flipped now, as they open as six-point favorites over the hapless New York Jets in Sunday's Week 10 game from MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers are riding a three-game winning streak, having scored 124 points in those three wins. The Jets are one of the league's better statistical defenses in some measurements, but haven't won a game since beating the winless Oakland Raiders in Week 1. In terms of points allowed, the Jets are 31st in the NFL, surrendering 28 points per game. They've lost eight straight, including a 24-10 beating at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9.
This game has all the makings of a heavily-expected Steelers win, which is exactly why the Steelers should be concerned. Getting to this point of the year, coaching staff that cannot produce wins aren't likely to be retained, and the ones on their way out are auditioning for future employment, just like the players who often are let go with coaching changes.
It would appear Jets coach Rex Ryan is unlikely to retain his job next year, at the rate the team is on, and getting a few more big wins this season will help boost his resume when he's back in the job market.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.