THE Washington Commanders (7-2) will host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) on Sunday at Northwest Stadium in one of the marquee games of Week 10.
The NFC East’s Commanders feature one of the best offenses in the NFL, while the AFC North’s Steelers boast one of the best defenses. This is Washington’s fourth and final AFC North game this season, with wins over the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns and a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh is 1-1 in the NFC East, with a loss to Dallas and a win to the New York Giants.
Can the Commanders defeat the well-rested Steelers in Week 10? Here are five things to know about this Sunday’s match.
Washington leads all-time series
Washington and Pittsburgh are old rivals, having first met in 1933, when the Commanders were known as the Boston Redskins. These are two of the NFL’s oldest franchises and met regularly until the two franchises were assigned to different conferences in 1970. Since then, the meetings have become less frequent, but it still remains a fun rivalry.
Washington leads the all-time series, 43-33-3.
Washington spoiled the Steelers’ perfect season four years ago
These teams last met on December 7, 2020, during the unforgettable COVID season. Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers 11-0 into Landover as heavy favorites, but Washington quarterback Alex Smith had other plans. Smith passed for 296 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 victory. Washington was a big underdog that day, and this game was part of a series that led to the NFC East victory.
Russell Wilson’s career against Washington
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has five career starts against Washington and has won two of them. Wilson played against Washington while with Seattle in all four of his starts, but he was with the Denver Broncos last season. He has lost his last two starts against the Commanders and is 2-3 overall. He completed 62% of his passes against Washington with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Both teams were busy at the NFL trade deadline
Pittsburgh and Washington are contenders, and both made moves ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. The Steelers acquired veteran receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets and edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. Smith is a former second-round pick by Washington and he spent his first four seasons in burgundy and gold. Both are expected to play on Sunday.
The Commanders made the biggest move at the deadline, trading for cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The four-time Pro Bowl cornerback is dealing with a hamstring injury and his status is uncertain for Week 10.
Commanders in search of more history
Every week it seems like the Commanders and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels are setting new records. In addition to Washington’s staggering offensive numbers, the Commanders started the season 7-2 for the first time since 1996. On Sunday, Washington looks to get off to its best start since 1991, when the Redskins started 11-0 and finished 14-2 . That’s when Washington won its last Super Bowl. The Commanders are also hoping to start 5-0 at home for the first time since 1991.
This article was originally published on Commanders Wire: 5 things to know for Commanders vs Steelers in Week 10
