Week 14 Preview: Raiders (9–3) at Steelers (7–5)

December football hits different, and Week 14 brings a matchup dripping with AFC playoff implications. The Raiders enter at 9–3, sitting atop the AFC West with a two-game lead over the Broncos and firmly in the hunt for the AFC’s No. 2 seed, behind the 11–1 Jets.

The Steelers, meanwhile, are 7–5 and leading the AFC Central by a razor-thin margin. Three teams—Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Cleveland (all 6–6)—are stacked directly behind them. A win this week gives Pittsburgh breathing room. A loss could plunge the division into a chaotic 2–4 team tie.

These teams have not met this season, so there are no rematch undertones—just two franchises, two distinct identities, and two completely different kinds of pressure converging on Heinz Field.

And both come in beat up.

The Raiders are without Tim Brown, Napoleon Kaufman, and Jon Ritchie. The Steelers have lost Richard Huntley, Fuamatu Ma’a, and—most damaging—Levon Kirkland, the brain and backbone of their defense.

This one will test depth, identity, and cold-weather toughness.

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Raiders Offense vs. Steelers Defense

Oakland’s offense is built around balance and precision. Rich Gannon has quietly put together a highly efficient season:

• 2,274 yards

• 17 TD, 5 INT

• 54% completions

• Only 5 turnovers on the year

With Tim Brown sidelined, tight end Rickey Dudley becomes the focal point. Dudley leads the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns (51–598–8) and has been Gannon’s most reliable red zone presence. Speed threats James Jett and Jerry Porter must play bigger roles this week to keep Pittsburgh from crowding the middle of the field.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Wheatley continues to drive Oakland’s identity. He enters Week 14 with:

• 1,002 rushing yards

• 10 touchdowns

• 4.4 yards per carry

If Wheatley can churn out consistent early-down gains, Oakland can keep Gannon in his comfort zone and force the Steelers’ depleted linebacker group into uncomfortable spacing.

Without Kirkland, Pittsburgh’s run fits lose their anchor. The Steelers still generate pressure with Jason Gildon, Keith Henry, and Kimo von Oelhoffen (combining for 14 sacks), but their ability to handle power runs between the tackles will be tested immediately.

If Oakland dictates the tempo, the Steelers may be in for a long afternoon.

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Steelers Offense vs. Raiders Defense

Pittsburgh’s formula is familiar: shorten the game, lean on Jerome Bettis, and let Kordell Stewart make selective plays with his arm and legs.

Bettis enters Week 14 in classic form:

• 1,081 yards

• 7 touchdowns

• 5.0 yards per carry

With Richard Huntley out for four weeks, the Steelers’ offensive burden falls almost entirely on The Bus.

Through the air, Stewart has been unpredictable but occasionally electric:

• 2,046 yards

• 12 touchdowns

• 8 interceptions

• 56% completions

• 29 sacks taken

His primary weapon has become Troy Edwards, who is having a breakout year with 64 catches, 755 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward provide strong secondary options, while Mark Bruener adds reliability in short-yardage routes.

But this group faces one of the AFC’s most disruptive units.

Greg Biekert is having an All-Pro caliber year with 103 tackles, 5 sacks, and 10 hurries, and he anchors a front seven that thrives on downhill pursuit. In the secondary, Charles Woodson and Eric Allen have combined for seven interceptions and routinely erase intermediate and sideline routes.

If Pittsburgh can’t stay ahead of schedule—and if Stewart is forced into too many dropbacks—the Raiders’ pass defense could tilt the game.

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Situational Football

Raiders

• 3rd Down: 46%

• Red Zone TD Rate: 60%

• Giveaways: Only 16

• 4th Down: 90% (10 conversions)

Oakland is efficient, opportunistic, and almost mistake-free.

Steelers

• 3rd Down: 41%

• Red Zone TD Rate: 26%

• Turnovers: Even

• Field Position: Hurt significantly by the loss of Huntley on kick returns

The contrast in red zone production is stark and could be decisive.

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Injury Impact

Raiders

• WR Tim Brown (torn bicep, 1 week): Removes veteran security blanket

• FB Jon Ritchie (hamstring, 2 weeks): Affects power formations & Wheatley’s lead blocking

• HB Napoleon Kaufman (hamstring, 4 weeks): Big loss on kick returns and change-of-pace runs

Steelers

• ILB Levon Kirkland (broken fibula, out 12 weeks): Their defensive captain; massive loss

• HB Richard Huntley (PCL tear, out 4 weeks): Eliminates rotational carries & top return man

• FB Fuamatu Ma’a (broken jaw, out 4 weeks): Hurts run-game structure

Both teams must redefine parts of their identity on the fly.

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What’s at Stake

For the Raiders (9–3)

• Maintain a 2-game lead over the Broncos (7–5)

• Stay on pace for the #2 seed behind the Jets

• Avoid slipping toward the Wild Card pack

• A win puts them one step closer to locking the AFC West outright

For the Steelers (7–5)

• Protect the AFC Central lead

• A win gives separation from Jaguars, Titans, and Browns (all 6–6)

• A loss risks a multi-way tie for the division

• Victory keeps them tracking for the AFC’s #3 seed

This isn’t just a December game. It’s a hinge point for both divisions.

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Bottom Line

The Raiders arrive as the more complete team—steady quarterback play, a strong ground game, and a defense that thrives in high-leverage moments. But Heinz Field in December is no easy assignment, and Pittsburgh has a way of dragging opponents into a bruising, low-possession style of football that tests resolve.

For Oakland, a win strengthens their postseason runway.
For Pittsburgh, a win fortifies their division lead.

Something will break on Sunday, and whichever team imposes its identity will walk away with a victory that echoes into January.