Nov 29, 2015 4 min read

The last time the Steelers played a game in Seattle, Ben Roethlisberger was still in college.

The Steelers lost that 2003 game, 23-16.

The last time Seattle came to Pittsburgh, the Seahawks hadn’t yet drafted quarterback Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh won that 2011 meeting at Heinz Field, 24-0.

We bring this up this week because few series in Steelers’ history have been as lopsided in favor of the home team as the one between the Pittsburgh and Seattle.

The Steelers struggled to win in other places around the league. They arejust 2-11-1 when they play the Rams on the road.

For as dominant as the Seahawks have been against the Steelers in Seattle – they have won six of seven meetings – Pittsburgh has returned the favor at home, winning seven of nine.

In other words, travel and venue seem to matter in this series.

Of course, the Steelers also won the only neutral-site game, beating the Seahawks, 21-10, in Super Bowl XL, so they’ve gotten the biggest win between the two teams.

Today’s meeting in Seattle won’t be nearly as important as that game, but it holds plenty of playoff implications.

A win by the Steelers (6-4) would solidify their position atop the AFC wildcard standings and would allow them to at least keep pace with division-leading Cincinnati in the AFC North.

A loss wouldn’t be a season killer, especially since it would be a non-conference defeat, but it would bring the Steelers back to the pack in the AFC.

For Seattle (5-5), the game is a little more important. The Seahawks are currently on the outside looking in on the NFC playoff race. And a loss would force them to have to win their final five games to have a good shot at making the postseason.

Seattle has been very tough to beat at home in recent years, but is showing some signs of that ending this season. While the Seahawks are 3-2 at home, their three wins have all come against sub-.500 teams. Their two home losses have been to Carolina and Arizona, which have a combined two losses.

But history tells us the home team almost always wins in this series and, in this case, the home team needs the victory more.

Seattle is a 5-point favorite in this game but it should be closer than that.

Take the Steelers to cover in a 23-20 loss

No Joe Flacco. No Justin Forsett. No Terrell Suggs. No Steve Smith. No Johnny Manziel. No chance for the Ravens.

Take Cleveland, 23-13

The Bengals have lost two in a row, but face a St. Louis team with all kind of QB issues.

Take Cincinnati, 27-13

The Texans have thrust themselves back into the “race” in the hapless AFC South.

Take Houston, 29-20

The Vikings failed in an opportunity to vanquish Green Bay last week. Instead, they all but dash Atlanta’s playoff hopes here.

Take Minnesota, 26-23

Denver’s defense was built in the offseason with an eye toward beating the Patriots. But can Brock Osweiller lead the offense to enough points?

Take Denver 23-21

Colts are now 3-0 when backup QB Matt Hasselbeck starts and 2-5 when Andrew Luck does. Go figure. Hasselbeck starts this one.

Take Indianapolis, 24-20

The 49ers just flat out stink.

Take Arizona, 31-14

The Giants have a chance to pull away in the NFC East. But Washington has been very good at home.

Take Washington, 27-24

The suddenly resurgent Chiefs, who have won four straight, can give Buffalo’s playoff hopes a finishing blow.

Take Kansas City, 23-17

The Jets have lost four of five since a hot start. The Dolphins just can’t seem to find their footing.

Take the Jets, 17-13

Tennessee is winless at home, but this is back-to-back long trips East for Oakland, which played at Detroit last week.

Take Tennessee, 24-23

San Diego’s banged up offensive line couldn’t block somebody on Twitter right now.

Take Jacksonville, 27-20

Last Week: 7-5-1 ATS; 7-6 Straight up

Overall: 77-68-5 ATS; 95-55 Straight up

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.