A year after being the first team to win a regular-season game in Ireland, the Steelers will try to win the first-ever NFL game played in France. Pittsburgh (4-2) is also trying to win a third straight game while keeping pace with the rest of the AFC North, the AFC's only division where every team has a winning record. The Steelers' recent success has been a byproduct of Aaron Rodgers' resurgence, Jaylen Warren's emergence and a defense that is one of the league's best on third down and in the red zone.
New Orleans is coming off a much-needed win over the Giants, snapping a three-game losing streak. More work is required, however, if the 2-4 Saints are going to seriously challenge the Panthers for NFC South supremacy. Here's how you can follow the action in real time, along with a game preview and prediction.
Different travel plans: The Saints touched down in Paris on Monday, six days ahead of Sunday's game. Conversely, the Steelers didn't get to France until early Friday after taking a red-eye flight from Pittsburgh. The Steelers then had to cancel practice upon arrival due to inclement weather.
Red-hot Rodgers: As of late, the 42-year-old Rodgers has been playing more like the 32-year-old version of himself. He's completed 68.8% of his passes with five touchdowns and just one interception in Pittsburgh's past two games. In addition to his accuracy, Rodgers has displayed impressive mobility and elusiveness. 8️⃣ making it happen 😮💨 @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/3yfsZ9PywD Against the Buccaneers last Sunday, he shook off five sacks to lead Pittsburgh's largest fourth-quarter comeback since 1992.
The Steelers ultimately won the game in overtime when Rodgers threw a six-yard touchdown pass to rookie Germie Bernard. Speaking of Bernard, the rookie second-round pick has emerged as one of Rodgers' favorite targets. He caught six passes for 80 yards in Pittsburgh's Week 5 win over the Colts and had 11 receptions for 87 yards in last week's win in Tampa.
Big game for Warren?: Warren had to fight for yardage last week against Tampa's stout run defense. He might be in for an easier day against a Saints defense that is arguably the league's worst against the run. Through six weeks, the Saints are 30th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (828), 32nd in rushing touchdowns allowed (11) and 28th in average yards-per-carry allowed (4.8).
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