After a 27-6 win over the Browns, the Steelers ride a four‑game streak into their bye, fueled by a revamped six‑lineman offensive front. Re‑introduced in Week 7, the jumbo packages—anchored by guard Spencer Anderson as a "sixth man"—have been run on 29 plays, primarily the 11‑personnel set (21 plays). The unit posts a +0.12 EPA per pass, +0.25 EPA per rush and a +0.22 EPA per play, far above the NFL average of +0.05. The formation, revived from a successful 2025 experiment, gives Pittsburgh extra bulk against light defensive schemes and is a key factor in their recent resurgence.
The Boston Bruins are gearing up for their first of just two road games this month after a two‑game home sweep, with rookie James Hagens leading all NHL rookies with 12 points (6‑6‑12) and a three‑game point streak. Coach Marco Sturm praises Hagens but urges patience. Boston also unveiled its brown “Varsity Sweater” Hometown Remix jersey, set to debut on Nov. 12. Meanwhile, Nikita Kucherov confirms his trade request, with offers reportedly rising to $15 million, and the Lightning’s future hanging in the balance. The Canadiens collapsed from a 4‑0 lead, and the Penguins slip to 0‑2‑1 in their last three games. Additional notes include AHL star Mikey Eyssimont earning Player of the Month and updates on Dylan Larkin’s free‑agency rumors.
The latest Deen’s Daily highlights three major stories: former Avalanche star Jarome Iginla opens up about serious health struggles, and Colorado’s road slump continues after a 7‑goal loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets following a lone win in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets staged a dramatic comeback against the Montreal Canadiens, snapping a nine‑game skid. The roundup also notes division action – Dallas beating Washington, Utah topping Toronto, and the Flyers falling to Minnesota – plus updates on the Devils, Penguins, Panthers, Red Wings and Blackhawks injuries.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and many are wondering when the for sale sign will go out.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and many are wondering when the for sale sign will go out.
Despite the Steelers' 6-2 record and the approaching Nov. 10 trade deadline, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler says Pittsburgh is unlikely to move any players. He specifically rules out trades involving linebackers Patrick Queen and Cole Holcomb, suggesting the roster will stay intact through the season.
The Steelers’ red‑zone woes spark debate over a potential “mandate” that would give veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers more freedom to run the ball. Coaches admit the offense needs a change, and former Steelers insider Matt Haley argues Rodgers’ running ability is too valuable to limit, urging the team to let him take advantage of scoring chances inside the 20-yard line. The article discusses whether scheme tweaks or Rodgers’ skill set are the primary issue and what a red‑zone run‑focused approach could mean for Pittsburgh’s November matchup.
SB Nation Reacts asks fans to predict the Cleveland Browns' showdown with the New Orleans Saints. After a tough loss to the Steelers, the blog highlights lingering issues like the Browns' run defense and Deshaun Watson’s sack rate, questioning whether they’ll be exposed against a struggling Saints squad. The survey also gauges weekly confidence among Browns supporters despite a 23-game road losing streak in Pittsburgh. Readers are invited to weigh in on the game’s outcome and their confidence in the team’s direction under Todd Monken.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark says the locker room was growing weary of Mike Tomlin’s voice, and the team’s early success under new head coach Mike McCarthy proves a change was needed. After eight games, Pittsburgh is 6‑2, leading the league with 26 sacks thanks to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, while the offense thrives without relying on a single star. Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,871 yards and 13 TDs, and RB Jaylen Warren is having his best season. Though red‑zone play‑calling needs work, the squad heads into the bye healthy and poised to be a contender.
Former Browns head coach Mike Pettine argues Cleveland “poked the bear” by over‑reaching before the Steelers’ 27‑17 victory on Nov. 3, 2026 – the first time Pittsburgh lost at home to Cleveland since 2003. He blames aggressive play‑calling and a premature confidence surge for the defeat, noting key moments like a missed field goal by Cade York and a costly turnover by Nick Chubb. Pettine says the Browns should have kept a tighter defensive approach to avoid handing Pittsburgh a rare home loss.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are actively entertaining trade offers for winger Rickard Rakell, who ranks No. 9 on The Fourth Period’s November Trade Watch List. General manager Kyle Dubas, under a strict cash budget and new ownership’s push for a younger roster, has been listening to interest from multiple teams, including the Ottawa Senators, who need a scoring winger. Rakell, 33, carries a $5 million cap hit through 2027‑28 and has an eight‑team no‑trade list. After a strong 2024‑25 season (35 G, 70 P) and a slower start this year (4 G, 8 P in 14 games), his value may be tempered. The Penguins also eye moves for Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson as they consider shedding veterans for draft picks or prospects.
Adam Schefter reports that former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who played three seasons at NC State, interviewed for the Wolfpack’s head‑coaching vacancy. The surprise move follows NC State’s search that also includes ex‑Pack star Philip Rivers. Though the school has not responded, the interview—potentially facilitated by former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, now a CBS analyst—raises eyebrows given Wilson’s lack of coaching experience. The Bills’ 33‑30 win over the Raiders is noted, but the focus remains on Wilson’s unlikely coaching candidacy.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Steelers receiver D.K. Metcalf are among the NFL players who have failed to live up to big contracts in 2026 thus far.
Steelers Depot notes that ILB Patrick Queen’s stock is on the rise after delivering one of his strongest performances for Pittsburgh. Adjusting to new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Queen has shown increased confidence, especially over the past two weeks, signaling a promising impact on the Steelers’ defense.
The Tennessee Titans head into a Week 9 bye at 1‑7 after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, using the break to regroup and assess bold predictions for a late‑season surge. The article highlights potential trade moves—Jonathan Taylor’s looming trade deadline on Nov 10 could spark a Tony Pollard deal—and cites upcoming analysis on whether a winning streak is realistic. It also points readers to related NFL news, including the Steelers’ 6‑2 rise under Mike McCarthy and the latest power‑rankings.
Entering Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns slip two spots in the power rankings to a collective 16th place after a bruising 5-3 loss to the Steelers. CBS drops them to No. 17, NFL.com to No. 15, while ESPN, Sporting News, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report and USA Today keep them around No. 16. Analysts cite eight sacks on QB Deshaun Watson, a sputtering run game (34 yards) and defensive lapses as key issues, though the trade for CB Tyson Campbell still shines. With a 5-3 record and division‑tiebreaker implications, the Browns face a reality check as they chase playoff credibility.
Big Ben says a ‘disconnect’ exists between Steelers' new wideout DK Metcalf and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but he believes Rodgers still trusts the receiver. Roethlisberger notes Metcalf has struggled this season and the team must resolve the chemistry issue before the bye week. Despite the challenges, the veteran QB isn’t worried about the effort from either player and expects the organization to work through the problem.
The Penguins drop a 3-2 decision to the Vegas Golden Knights after a costly late‑game collapse, squandering a two‑man power play in the third period. Meanwhile, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praises the Hoffmann family’s recent purchase of the team, and the league notes several headlines—including Canada’s ban on Russia and Belarus for next month’s World Junior Championship, Jarome Iginla’s health battle, Brad Lambert’s waiver placement, and rising market interest in Nikita Kucherov.
The Browns wrap up a three‑game road swing with a trip to New Orleans, where they’ll face the Saints for only the 21st time in franchise history. Historically, Cleveland has fared well on the road against New Orleans, winning eight of 13 visits—including a 2010 win in the Mangini era and a 1999 Hail Mary victory. The preview notes a leaky run defense, lingering questions about DE Jared Verse, and the impact of the upcoming trade‑deadline on Cleveland’s playoff push. Recent topics also cover Myles Garrett’s injury status, a roster move involving a Week‑6 TD scorer, and defensive shortcomings from the loss to Pittsburgh.
The 2026 NFL offensive line rankings have been updated after Week 8, with the Detroit Lions retaining the top spot. The San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers round out the top three, while injuries and lineup changes affect units throughout the league.
The Steelers, sitting at 6-2 and leading their division, are rumored to target a wide receiver trade, but the article argues they should consider other positions. It examines the team’s strengths, depth charts, and postseason aspirations, questioning whether a WR is the only need as Pittsburgh eyes a deep playoff run.
DK's Daily Shot of Steelers: Inside linebackers!
Dan Muse is a smart man. And when it comes to hockey, given his extensive background and analytical approach, I'd say it's safe to suggest he's borderline brilliant. So it's not as if he couldn't pick up from behind the Penguins' bench on this Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena how brutally Ville Koivunen had been performing on the No. 1 power play.
DK's Daily Shot of Penguins: Let's talk players
DK's Daily Shot of Pirates: Which players say no?