BREAKDOWN - Steelers vs. Vikings (LONDON)

NFL International Series - Steelers vs Vikings

When 2 teams go into a game searching for their first victory of the season, SOMEONE has to walk away victorious...RIGHT?  Well, at the rate this Steelers season is going so far, I wouldn't be shocked if the game ended in a tie, simply to rub salt into the wound.  Its time that we take a look at the big matchups / storylines heading into this "Toilet Bowl" being held at Wembley Stadium in London.  Should be interesting to say the least...

- The Steelers Offense vs. the Vikings Defense - This has to lead off the topic of discussion for the sole purpose that the Steelers offense has essentially lost 3 games.  Sure, there are those that think the defense should post a shutout every week, but at the same time the NFL today does not lend itself to a dominant defense anymore.  The Steelers weren't able to move the ball at all in the first 2 weeks...both weeks led to losses.  Last week the Steelers turn the ball over 5 times and there you have that loss.  The Steelers offense will have their hands full in terms of the Vikings pass rush, but at the same time, if (thats a gigantic if) the Steelers can pick up the blitz and protect Big Ben...they could rip the Vikings apart in an already depleted secondary.  The Steelers need to protect the football in the running game, and in the passing game.  If they can NOT turn the ball over, I have a good feeling about the Steelers chances of coming back across the pond with their first victory.  A couple key players to watch in this matchup: Rookie RB Le'Veon Bell returns to start in this game.  Will he live up to they hype or will this stint be short lived like his preseason was cut short due to injury?  Also, Heath Miller continues his return.  I expect Heath's workload to increase and his production to follow suit as well.  I like Markus Wheaton to get an opportunity against a porous Vikings secondary and of course Antonio Brown is due to get his targets.

Advantage: Steelers Offense

- The Steelers Defense vs. the Vikings Offense - The Steelers defense has one job, and one job alone in this matchup.  STOP THE RUN.  Stopping the run isn't as easy as it might sound considering Adrian Peterson is the Vikings running back, but if the Steelers want to force the Vikings into putting the ball into Matt Cassel's (yes, Matt Cassel is starting today not Christian Ponder) hands, they need to shut down Peterson.  The last time the Steelers played the Vikings, it was at Heinz Field and a Brett Favre led Minnesota team traveled to Heinz Field and lost in a classic matchup.  This game isn't in Minnesota or Pittsburgh, no it is over the pond in London.  Will that play an impact?  I doubt it.  The Steelers defense has a lot of weight on their shoulders to not only stop the run, but to actually create a turnover...which would be the first of the season for the Steelers. 

Advantage: Steelers Defense

- Special Teams - Steelers vs. Vikings -  Neither of these two teams have outstanding special teams units, but they are also special teams units that can be a factor.  The Steelers special teams have been better than good so far this season.  Sure, the punter Moskos has left something to be desired, but the coverage units have been solid and there is no questioning that.  The Steelers also have done surprisingly well in the return game to this point.  The biggest factor in this game is to not give up the big play or commit the big penalty that will bring a big return back.  Place kickers in this matchup are both solid, but you have to give Suisham the nod as he is used to kicking outdoors more than a kicker used to a dome in Minnesota.

Advantage: PUSH

This game is going to be extremely interesting to see for one reason...both teams are desperate.  Desperate for their first win, desperate to not see their entire season go down the drain in Week 4.  The Steelers are a team that on paper is more complete....with more "upside", but when you have a running back like Adrian Peterson who can break a run for a TD anywhere, anytime, any given down...you are never out of the game.  This game being played in London actually favors the Steelers, in my opinion, because it nullifies that "home field advantage" the Vikings would have had in the dome if this game were played in Minnesota. 

Time for the prediction...

Steelers - 27
Vikings - 21