The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the unofficial “Battle for Pennsylvania” in Week 15. Both teams are entering Sunday’s matchup with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, as they continue to make a late push for the No. 1 overall seed in their respective conferences.
While securing the win is the most important objective for both the Eagles and Steelers on Sunday, there are several notable active streaks in play as well. Here are 10 streaks to watch for when the Steelers visit the City of Brotherly Love in Week 15.
Eagles Have Won Nine Consecutive Games
The Eagles are undefeated since the team embraced a much-needed bye week in Week 5. Philadelphia made several key adjustments during the week off, as the offense began embracing a run-first mentality and Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio inserted rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean into the starting slot cornerback spot.
Philadelphia has won nine games in a row, matching the franchise’s all-time record (1960, 2003, 2017). If the Eagles defeat the Steelers, it’ll be the first 10-game winning streak in franchise history.
Russell Wilson Is 6–0 Versus the Eagles in His NFL Career
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has never lost to the Eagles in his NFL career. Wilson is 6-0 against the Eagles, including four wins in Philadelphia. Although it’s worth noting that Wilson hasn’t played against the Eagles since November 30, 2020.
Wilson has certainly looked vulnerable in recent weeks, as he has thrown three interceptions in his last five games. Can Philadelphia finally get the better of Wilson in Week 15?
Steelers Haven’t Won a Game in Philadelphia Since 1965
While Wilson has dominated the Eagles, especially in Philadelphia, the Steelers haven’t had the same success. The last time that the Steelers traveled to the City of Brotherly Love and returned home with a victory was October 24, 1965.
Since then, the Eagles are 10-0 against the Steelers in Philadelphia. During Mike Tomlin’s tenure as head coach in Pittsburgh, the Steelers have lost by at least nine points in each of their three road trips to play the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Russell Wilson Has Won Four Consecutive Games Against No. 1 Ranked Defenses
The Eagles are currently the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL in total yards per game allowed. Philadelphia is allowing just 284.2 total yards per game in 2024, nearly seven yards less than the next closest team.
Unfortunately for Philly, Wilson has won four consecutive games when he has been tasked with playing against the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense. It’ll be interesting to see if Wilson can keep his streak alive against Fangio’s scorching hot defense.
Philadelphia’s Defense Has Held Nine Consecutive Opponents to 20 Points or Less
Speaking of Fangio’s defense, they have played at an entirely different level since the bye week in Week 5. After naming DeJean the starting slot cornerback, Philadelphia’s defense has dominated the opposition. The Eagles’ defense has held nine consecutive opponents to 20 points or less.
While the Eagles technically allowed 23 points to the Jacksonville Jaguars, six of those points were courtesy of a defensive touchdown scored by Jacksonville’s edge rusher Travon Walker.
Pittsburgh’s Defense Has Forced an Interception in Four Consecutive Games
Pittsburgh leads the NFL with 28 total takeaways this season. Pittsburgh’s defense is loaded with playmakers, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Thanks to the Steelers’ dominant pass rush, the secondary is allowed to fly around and make plays.
Which has led Pittsburgh’s defense to forcing an interception in four consecutive games, an impressive streak that includes miscues by Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.
Jalen Hurts Hasn’t Thrown an Interception in Four Consecutive Games
Yet Pittsburgh’s interceptions streak is going to be put to the test by Jalen Hurts, who is playing rather conservatively since the bye week. While many are asking for Hurts to take more risk through the air, his turnover-free play has helped the Eagles win nine consecutive games.
Hurts hasn’t thrown an interception in four consecutive games, which ironically coincides with Pittsburgh’s interception streak of their own.
Jake Elliott Is 0/5 on 50+ Yard Field Goal Attempts This Season
Jake Elliott was regarded as one of the NFL’s best kickers entering this season, yet he has failed to live up to expectations in 2024. Elliott is normally reliable from long range, yet he has missed all five of his field goal attempts from 50+ yards this season.
Meanwhile, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is 11/13 from 50+ yards this season and is playing at the level that many expected Elliott to perform at in 2024.
Pat Freiermuth Has Scored a Touchdown in Back-to-Back Games
Due to the absence of George Pickens, Wilson has been forced to look elsewhere through the air. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has emerged as one of Wilson’s favorite targets, as he has hauled in touchdowns in back-to-back games for Pittsburgh.
Now he’ll look to keep that streak alive against the Eagles, who have played well against opposing tight ends overall, although they have let them get into the end zone in recent weeks.
Philadelphia’s Defense Has Allowed a Tight End to Score a Touchdown in Back-to-Back Games
Philadelphia’s defense has played well against tight ends overall in 2024, as they have allowed 10.1 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Yet the Eagles have allowed tight ends to score touchdowns in back-to-back games. Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews scored a touchdown in Week 13 and Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble scored a touchdown in Week 14.
It’s also worth noting that Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz scored a touchdown in Week 12 as well. Therefore, the Eagles have allowed opposing tight ends to score a touchdown in three of their last four games.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
