Thursday, December 20, 2007
PITTSBURGH (9-5) At ST. LOUIS (3-11)
Time: 8:15 p.m.
TV/radio: (NFL Network) (2), (WBBG-FM 106.1).
Opening line: Steelers by 9.
Record vs. spread: Steelers 7-7; Rams 5-9.
Series record: Rams lead series 15-6-2.
Last meeting: Rams 33, Steelers 21, Oct. 26, 2003 at Pittsburgh.
Last week: Steelers lost to Jaguars 29-22; Rams lost to Packers 33-14.
Streaks, stats and notes: Pittsburgh has lost two in a row and three of five, but can clinch AFC North with win and Cleveland loss on Sunday. ... S Troy Polamalu made team-high 10 tackles last week after missing three games with knee injury. ... RB Willie Parker (NFL-best 1,317 yards rushing) leads league with seven 100-yard games. ... QB Ben Roethlisberger (2,897 yards passing, 11 INTs) set franchise single-season mark with 29th TD pass last week. Roethlisberger hasn’t thrown for 200-plus yards in five straight, including season-low 146 last week. .... Steelers allow 258 yards per game, fewest in league. ... Pittsburgh is 2-4 on road. ... TE Heath Miller has career-best seven TD catches. ... WR Hines Ward has three TDs in past three games. ... St. Louis is 1-6 at home. ... S Oshiomogho Atogwe has seven INTs, tied for NFC lead. ... Last week, RB Steven Jackson had 143 yards rushing and has 90-plus yards rushing in five straight. Despite missing four games, he needs 138 yards rushing for third straight 1,000-yard season. ... St. Louis has been outscored 217-76 in second half and 120-40 in fourth quarter. ... QB Marc Bulger was 20-of-39 for 219 yards and one TD last week after missing two games with concussion. Bulger’s 59.7 completion percentage is lowest of career. ... Rams are 11-0-1 at home against Steelers. ... LB Will Witherspoon has six sacks in past seven games. ... WR Torry Holt, elected to Pro Bowl, had seven receptions for 174 yards and one TD in only meeting vs. Steelers
Associated Press