Panthers Vs. Steelers: 2010 Thursday Night Football Predictions & TV Time

The 2010 NFL Thursday Night Football game between the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers (host) is scheduled for Thursday December 23 (8:20 PM EST) at Heinz Field. The NFL Network will broadcast this inter-conference contest. Carolina is dead last in the NFC North, with a record of 2-12; Pittsburgh is first in the AFC North, with a strong record of 10-4. This article offers TV time and predictions for the 2010 Panthers-Steelers game.

1) Panthers-Steelers Matchup

Thursday's primetime game pits a struggling Carolina Panthers against a high-flying Pittsburgh Steelers. This is very much an inconsequential game as the Panthers have already been eliminated from a playoff spot, while the Steelers have clinched theirs. As the two teams are from different conferences, they don't have a long history against each other. The last time Carolina and Pittsburgh meet was in 2006; the Steelers easily won that game 37-3.

2) Jimmy Clausen vs. Ben Roethlisberger

The first NFL game of Week 16 features a rookie quarterback in Jimmy Clausen and future Hall-of-Famer Ben Roethlisberger. In terms of both experience and current form, this is not much of a contest. For the season, Carolina's Jimmy Clausen has accumulated only 1304 passing yards, 2 TDs, and a shockingly poor QB rating of 59. This is in spite of the fact that he has had at least 10 starts this season. Ben Roethlisberger, on the other hand, is enjoying another fine season. The Pittsburgh starter has amassed to date 2600 passing yards, 14 TDs, and a solid QB rating of 93. Statistically speaking, this is a one-sided matchup.

3) John Fox vs. Mike Tomlin

When the NFL network released its broadcast schedule for the 2010 season, the network probably did not anticipate that the match-up between the Panthers and Steelers would be a meaningless game. Carolina has already been eliminated from playoff contention, while Pittsburgh clinched a playoff spot last Sunday. What left to play for are probably pride and perhaps a home field advantage in the postseason.

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After a very disappointing season, the Carolina Panthers will be fighting mostly for pride. Unfortunately, the numbers are just not there for Carolina to be even remotely competitive against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Panthers is dead last in the NFL in offense and 24th overall in defense. John Fox's team has virtually no passing game, ranking last in the NFL. The team's only bright spot this year has been its passing defense, which ranks 8th. It will take a huge miracle for the Panthers to beat the Steelers on the road.

While the Panthers have struggled greatly this season, the Pittsburg Steelers have been impressive in most statistical categories. Mike Tomlin's team is currently tied for first in the NFL in defense and is 17th in offense. The Steelers' offensive statistics would have been a lot better, if not for the fact that Roethlisberger missed one thirds of the season due to a suspension. The team should win this home contest quite easily.

My prediction for the 2010 NFL Thursday Night Football game between the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers: the Steelers win at home 30-10. Kickoff time for the game is 8:20 PM EST. The game will be played at Heinz Field, and will be broadcast by the NFL Network.

Reference:
ESPN.COM