Oct 8, 2016 4 min read

You know a quarterback is having a tough time when he cuts his interceptions in half from one week to the next and he still throws three.

That’s what the New York Jets are dealing with in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

In the past two games, Fitzpatrick has thrown nine interceptions. By comparison, Aaron Rodgers had eight last season in 572 attempts.

That’s always been the issue with Fitzpatrick. He’s been good enough to get his team beaten.

What’s that mean?

You watch him play and he can make all the throws. But he also trusts his arm too much.

Quarterbacks such as Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger can make throws quarterbacks such as Fitzpatrick shouldn’t try. But Fitzpatrick tries to make them anyway.

And that’s a problem for the Jets, who just don’t have a better option.

New York’s roster is talented. But the Jets are lacking at quarterback, which kills your chances in the NFL.

That should make for an interesting matchup today against the Steelers. The Jets’ defensive front will cause a banged-up Pittsburgh offensive line some issues.

Roethlisberger has thrown at least three touchdown passes in each of his last five home games, including five last week in a dominating win over Kansas City.

And if Fitzgerald turns it over a couple of times, the Jets are in trouble.

The Steelers showed a lot of flexibility last week on offense, moving running back Le’Veon Bell all over their formations to create matchup issues. It worked as Roethlisberger completed 22 of 27 passes to nine different receivers.

Look for the Steelers to continue to add to that package and attack what has been a weak New York secondary.

New York’s defensive line is very good and if the Jets can keep this close, it could be a factor, but that’s unlikely to happen with the Steelers at home.

The Steelers are 7-point favorites and I like the home team.

Take Pittsburgh, 31-17

We don’t know how rusty Tom Brady will be but this is a good game for a return.

Take New England, 42-10

The Titans are grinding it out with their running game. The Dolphins have their fans grinding their teeth.

Take Tennessee, 22-17

The Vikings’ defense is for real.

Take Minnesota, 23-14

Joe Flacco is averaging 6.31 yards per pass attempt. Only Jameis Winston and Blaine Gabbert are averaging fewer.

Take Washington to cover in a 23-20 loss

The Colts don’t get a bye after coming back from London. That means tired legs.

Take Chicago to cover in a 24-20 loss

Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was fired as head coach of the Lions a couple of years ago.

Revenge.

Take Philadelphia, 26-21

Julio Jones isn’t getting 300 receiving yards in this game.

Take Denver, 27-17

It’s time for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to throw his first pro interception(s).

Take Cincinnati, 24-21

The Chargers are getting Browns-like, finding new and unusual ways to lose games.

Take Oakland, 34-27

Maybe the Rams will get Todd Gurley going in this game.

Take Los Angeles, 24-20

The Giants are banged up in the secondary and playing on the road after a Monday night road game. That’s not good against a rested Green Bay team.

Take Green Bay, 31-23

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is out but it shouldn’t matter because Winston won’t test the young Carolina secondary.

Take Carolina, 24-17

Last week: 6-8 ATS; 7-7 Straight up

Overall: 20-38-1 ATS; 28-31 Straight up

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