The Steelers Are Overrated, Unless They're Not

Two dispiriting losses to teams they're likely to see in the postseason has everyone down on Pittsburgh, yet the Steelers are still more than a touchdown favorite on the road against abject St. Louis. Meanwhile, everybody is dying to see those scrappy mismanaged Browns overtake the Steelers for the division lead. They're so lovably downtrodden!

Two of the prime offenders for the defense's meltdown Sunday, Travis Kirschke and Anthony Smith, are gone from the starting line-up, replaced by fellow reserves Nick Eason and Tyrone Carter who have turned in more stable play in their opportunities this year.

Usually stout Marvel Smith is scratched from the lineup with the back problems that have plagued him most of the second half of the season and caused him to be the most victimized blocker last week (giving Sean Mahan and Kendall Simmons a welcome reprieve). Max Starks, who shocked many with his adequate play filling in for Smith in bad weather games last month, gets to show his mettle on the dome turf against speed rushers. Fun fun fun.

Speaking of, Ben Roethlisberger is pulling the old quarterback cliche and taking all his lineman with him to Honolulu for the Pro Bowl, despite being the second most sacked quarterback in the league. Be sure to lose Mahan in a volcano or something while you're there, Ben.

All-around fuckhead Peter King is picking the Rams to upset the Steelers tonight. Hey, the Steelers lost to two playoffs teams now anybody can lick 'em. Fuck you.