As we head into Week 10 of the NFL season, we’re in for a thrilling clash between two of the league’s hottest teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders. The Steelers come in strong at 6-2, and the Commanders have matched that momentum at 7-2. With both teams riding high on three-game win streaks, this “good on good” matchup promises to be must-see football.

One area where the Steelers might have a real edge is in the run game. While the Commanders have been solid overall, they’ve struggled to stop the run, ranking 28th in the league and allowing 142.3 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, the Steelers boast the NFL’s 8th-ranked rushing offense, averaging 138.1 yards per game. This advantage on the ground could very well be the deciding factor.

The Steelers’ rushing game has been impressive despite some injury setbacks. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, key players are getting healthy just in time. Jaylen Warren, who’s been dealing with hamstring and knee issues, is finally looking like himself again. Cordarrelle Patterson, who suffered an ankle injury back in Week 4 against the Colts, is also set to return, adding his versatility to the offense. Tight end Mycole Pruitt, known for his blocking, will be playing in his third game back after a four-week absence. Though Pruitt’s contributions don’t always make the highlight reel, his blocking is crucial to the Steelers’ ground attack.

Another big boost for Pittsburgh is the return of rookie standout center Zach Frazier. Ryan McCollum has filled in admirably, but with Frazier back at center, the line gains a stability and strength that should help the Steelers establish the run against Washington.

On top of getting healthy, the Steelers made a long-overdue move before the trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams. Known for winning contested catches and stretching the field, Williams brings a new layer to Pittsburgh’s offense. With him joining George Pickens, the Steelers now have two deep threats that will make it difficult for opposing defenses. Washington’s defense will have to pick its poison: stack the box to slow down Pittsburgh’s run game or play two high safeties to defend against the deep ball.

This dilemma puts the Commanders in a tough spot. If they focus on stopping the run, they risk leaving Pickens and Williams room to make big plays downfield. But if they play conservatively to prevent deep passes, the Steelers’ ground game could take over.

All signs point to a hard-fought, down-to-the-wire battle between these two teams. The Steelers will likely try to control the tempo on the ground, leveraging their rushing game and healthier lineup. Meanwhile, the Commanders will need to tighten up their run defense if they want to stay competitive.

With both teams in top form, this Steelers-Commanders showdown has all the makings of an instant classic. Expect a gritty, physical game where every yard matters. The winner of this matchup won’t just add another victory to their record—it’ll be a statement win that sets them apart as a true contender.