NFL Picks Week 15: Steelers Will Give Jets Third Straight Loss

The New York Jets will travel to Pittsburgh in Week 15 to take on the Steelers in what will be one of the most anticipated matchups of the week. The 9-4 Jets are coming off of two consecutive losses to the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins and currently hold the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. Meanwhile the Steelers are cruising, as usual. They're 10-3 and have a chance, given some help, to clinch a playoff spot this weekend. Both teams have a lot on the line.

These two teams are fairly similar. They both excel and defense, specifically stopping the run. They're big up front, have strong linebackers and know how to get after the quarterback. This won't be a very exciting game if these guys are trying to run on each other.

There are two areas, though, I think the Steelers have the advantage and why they'll win. The first is quarterback -- Ben Roethlisberger vs. Mark Sanchez. Roethlisberger is looking for his third Super Bowl victory and he's clearly defined himself in the league while Sanchez, who is a little shakier, has yet to get to that point. The second reason is at safety. The Steelers have one of the league's best in Troy Polamalu while the Jets' Jim Leonhard was injured a couple weeks ago putting him out for the year.

I'm taking the Steelers here but I'm not sure about them as six point favorites, which is what the NFL odds say. To be safe, I'll go with Pittsburgh by a field goal over the Jets.

Check out Gang Green Nation and Behind The Steel Curtain for more on the game.