Steelers vs. Seahawks 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online

Fan emotions will be high at CenturyLink Field when the Seattle Seahawks (5-5) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) in one of the day’s best inter-conference showdowns. The popular narrative is that this is a rematch of the infamous Super Bowl 40.

Of course, it’s not a pure rematch, since that game happened 10 years ago and only three players from that game (Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison, Matt Hasselbeck) are still active today. Nevertheless, that Super Bowl was marred by numerous questionable officiating calls that led to referee Bill Leavy eventually apologizing. The controversial nature of the game has fostered a fan rivalry that persists to this day.

The Seahawks and Steelers have met only twice since that fateful day at Ford Field, with both games taking place at Heinz Field. So believe it or not, this is Roethlisberger’s first trip to Seattle in his 12-year career. The last time these teams played was in 2011, when Roethlisberger threw for 313 yards and a touchdown in a 24-0 win.

Now there is a lot on the line in their 2015 meeting. Seattle had a slow start to the season, stumbling to a 2-4 record. The team has since rallied to win three of its last four games and stay alive in the NFC playoff race, although there are still many question marks on offense.

The biggest story heading into this week is a changing of the guard at running back. Longtime workhorse Marshawn Lynch underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia and could be out for the rest of the season. That means rookie Thomas Rawls will have the keys to the backfield, and you can’t argue he didn’t deserve it. Rawls gashed the San Francisco 49ers for 255 total yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks’ 29-13 win. On the season, he’s rushed for 604 yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry.

The Steelers’ sixth-ranked run defense will be a tougher matchup for Rawls, but they’re also 28th in pass defense, so Russell Wilson could have a chance to rebound after mostly struggling this season. The Seahawks rank just 26th in passing yards per game and are 31st in red zone scoring percentage.

Seattle’s defense is playing at a high level again this year, but it has a difficult time covering tight ends on seam routes and the players are prone to getting tired when the offense can’t keep drives alive. Cornerback Cary Williams has proven to be a free agent bust and was benched in the middle of last week’s game. Fortunately for Seattle, Jeremy Lane has been activated off the PUP list and will make his season debut after suffering a broken arm and torn ACL in last season’s Super Bowl.

The Steelers are coming off their bye, giving Roethlisberger even more time to rest his knee. Roethlisberger had one of the most unusual games of his career in Week 9. Still recovering from a sprained MCL, the veteran wasn’t expected to start, but was forced to come into the game when backup Landry Jones went down with an injury on the opening drive. Roethlisberger proceeded to carve up the Cleveland Browns’ defense for 379 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-33 passing.

At 6-4, the Steelers are in good shape in the AFC Wild Card picture, and they could even make up some ground on the division if the Cincinnati Bengals (8-2) continue to falter. With Roethlisberger getting healthy at the right time, this is shaping up as a team that nobody will want to play in January. Seattle is playing better right now, but it still faces an uphill battle at 5-5. Another loss will essentially end their quest for a division title and force them to win out to have a chance at a wild card spot.

In other words, this is a must-win game for both sides. Expect some fireworks and a bloodthirsty crowd, even if the Lombardi Trophy isn’t on the line this time.

When: 4:25 p.m. ET

Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle

TV: CBS

Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson

Online: NFL Game Pass

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