The Pittsburgh Steelers are red hot. They have shaken off all ill effects of drama from previous seasons and are playing good football. After a 1-4 start, Pittsburgh has won four in a row. Mike Tomlin is proving that he is still one of the league's top coaches despite criticism over recent years.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has stepped into the No. 1 receiver role on the Steelers and it will be his for years to come. Smith-Schuster has 36 catches on the year for 503 yards and three touchdowns. If Ben Roethlisberger was healthy, those numbers would be better, but the star receiver has shown signs of being legitimate. The Steelers will play a division game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.
Here are three bold predictions for Smith-Schuster.
3. Smith-Schuster Breaks a Long TD
The big-play ability of this USC product has been obvious over his first few NFL seasons. He can make contested catches and has breakaway speed once he gets going. Against the Browns, Smith-Schuster can get behind the defense for a big play.
The Browns have been good against the pass this season. They are allowing the seventh-least passing yards per game, but they have given up 16 passing touchdowns. Smith-Schuster is coming off of a matchup with Jalen Ramsey, so he will see a downgrade no matter who the Browns put on him. If the Steelers need a big play, there is no doubt that they will look for No. 19.
2. Smith-Schuster Leads Steelers' Receivers
Smith-Schuster has led the Steelers in receiving five times this season, but just once over the last four weeks. Diontae Johnson has played well for Pittsburgh along with their running backs, who have made an impact in the passing game. In a division game like this, it is time for Smith-Schuster to step up and be the leading receiver.
The Steelers have a puncher's chance of catching the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North. They already have a head-to-head loss and will play the Ravens one more time this season. The Steelers are 1-1 in division play this season and Smith-Schuster can lead his team to a second win.
1. Two Touchdowns for Smith-Schuster
A big year was expected from Smith-Schuster in 2019. He has been solid, but has only found the end zone three times. If he can score twice against the Browns, his numbers will begin to even out.
The Browns have allowed four receivers this season to score multiple touchdowns, one being a tight end in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. This is not an impossible task for a talent like Smith-Schuster and it could be the spark that Pittsburgh needs to make it five wins in a row.
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