The Pittsburgh Steelers began the month of December narrowly beating their rivals the Baltimore Ravens. Mike Tomlin and company had a short week preparing for the Minnesota Vikings underneath the Thursday night lights. The Minnesota Vikings coming off a tuff loss in Detroit losing to the winless Lions 29-27. This is another must-win game for the Steelers to get back into the hunt to make the playoffs. According to ESPN's Football Power Index the Steelers have a 37% to win Thursday.

Both defenses are playing well on the back end of the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense managed to sack Lamar Jackson 7 times last Sunday. They currently have 37 sacks this year leading the NFL. Although the Vikings are 5-7 their defense is ranked second in sacks with 36.

I expect the outcome of this to be decided by the quarterbacks. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has played well this season. He is ranked sixth in passing yards (3,353), and fourth in passing touchdowns (25). Ben Roethlisberger has had an up and down year, but I know he will always come through in the 4th quarter. Sunday against the Ravens Ben got his 51st game-winning drive breaking a tie with Tom Brady for the third most game-winning drive.

Injury Report:

Steelers

CB Joe Haden (Foot): Out

LB Robert Spillane (Knee): Out

OL B.J. Finney (Back): Out

DE Isaiah Buggs (Ankle): Out

Vikings

C Camryn Bynum: Questionable

OT Christian Darrisaw: Questionable

WR Adam Thielen: Out

RB Dalvin Cook: Questionable

WR Bisi Johnson: Out

Predictions: Steelers win 34-14