Dolphins' potential, Jared Goff shows up, Steelers dangerous

Dolphins’ potential, Jared Goff shows up, Steelers remains dangerous

Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) during the first half of a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates his third touchdown of the game in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Steelers on the rise

Pittsburgh’s offense looks ready to catch fire and it very well could. But the big wild card for this unit is finding one more potent receiver to take advantage of the one-on-one matchups that Antonio Brown’s presence presents. Having the Le’Veon Bell multi-dimensional threat doesn’t hurt either. Early in the season, we saw Ben Roethlisberger taking deep shots to Sammie Coates with quite a bit of success.

If Coates’ finger heals sooner rather than later, that should become something we see much more of down the stretch. Also, Ladarius Green is a much different type of field-stretching tight end than what the Steelers have preferred in the past. He is gradually becoming a bigger part of this passing game. If either or both of these talented players can assert himself going forward, the Steelers’ offense will be lethal. Just imagine if this group with Martavis Bryant!

Next: 2016 NFL season: Record predictions for all 32 teams

Lions defense coming around

For much of the season, Detroit’s defense was among the worst in the NFL. it was dealing with injuries on that side of the ball and missed far too many tackles. As a result, the Lions began to play much slower on offense (even with very little running game) and used the clock to their advantage on that side of the ball to better protect their ailing defense.

Well, now the Lions defense is getting healthier and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if players like Ziggy Ansah really step up to finish the regular season. Detroit also showed much better tackling against the Vikings’ painfully short passing game on Thanksgiving, which is promising. Considering the division they are in, merely average defense from here on out should get Detroit into the postseason.

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