Big Game Bound: Division leaders going in opposite directions
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — We’re heading down the road to Atlanta and one week closer to The Big Game.
Anthony “AC” Calhoun is talking all the major headlines around the NFL leading up to Super Bowl LIII.
This week, AC is talking about two teams with some of the most passionate fans in the league – the Cowboys and Steelers.
Joining AC on the show are Tobin McDuff of KFDX and Craig Smylie of WJET.
One up, one down
While the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers both lead their respective divisions, the teams are riding streaks that are headed in the opposite direction.
The Steelers have dropped three straight games while the Cowboys have won five in a row.
“Things are looking good for the Cowboys,” McDuff said. “Them seem to be connecting on all cylinders, especially since the acquisition of Amari Cooper.”
Cooper has caught 40 passes for 642 yards and six touchdowns since coming over from the Oakland Raiders in a trade earlier this season. Dallas is 5-1 since he joined the team.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are certainly struggling.
“They’ve done everything wrong,” said Smylie. “In every possible way.”
The Steelers stand at 7-5-1, just percentage points ahead of the Baltimore Ravens.
What’s next?
The Cowboys are headed to Indianapolis for a matchup with the Colts on Sunday. Games with the Bucs and the Giants will round out the schedule.
The Steelers have a rougher road ahead. Their remaining games are against the Pats, Saints and Bengals.
Playoff picture
Here’s a look at the current division leaders and wild card teams:
AFC:
- AFC East – New England Patriots
- AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers
- AFC South – Houston Texas
- AFC West – Kansas City Chiefs (clinched playoff berth)
- Wildcards – Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens
NFC:
- NFC East – Dallas Cowboys
- NFC North – Chicago Bears
- NFC South – New Orleans Saints (clinched division)
- NFC West – Los Angeles Rams (clinched division)
- Wildcards – Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings