The Steelers have won 2 games in a row and outscored their opponents 47-10 in those wins.  The Panthers have lost 3 games in a row.

The Steelers would love to just handoff the ball to Willie Parker like they did last week, but he’s only averaged 45.8 yards rushing per game on the road.  The Steelers need Parker to play well to help slow the Panthers pass rush led by Julius Peppers who has 11 sacks so far this season.  The Panthers have alot of injuries to deal with in their secondary so Roethlisberger could have success if the line gives him time to throw.  Hines Ward and Cedric Wilson are expected back, but it looks like Santonio Holmes will be starting opposite of Ward.  It would also be smart for the Steelers to use Heath Miller a little bit over the middle.

The Panthers would love to run the football against the Steelers.  It sounds like that might be a tough task, but the Steelers allow 116 yards rushing per game on the road.  Look for DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams to be able to find some running room.  The Steelers are a good pass-rushing team, but if the Panthers pick up the blitz the Steelers will be in big trouble.  Steve Smith (71 rec, 1,025 yards) is so much better than any Steeler DB that they will have to double team him or they will watch him dancing in the end zone.  If they double him, Keyshawn Johnson (62 rec, 725 yards) will make them pay on the short stuff.  It’s looking as if Chris Weinke will be starting again and he must protect the football to give his team a chance to win.

This game could literally go either way.  The Steelers are 1-5 on the road and have really looked pathetic away from home.  But, the Panthers are started Chris Weinke at QB and he looked awful last week.