Holmes to start versus Redskins

Santonio Holmes, who wasn't suspended but instead inactive for last week's game vs the Giants after getting caught with marijuana, will start for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they face the Redskins. Holmes has a November 24th court date.

"As a football team and an organization, in terms of our view of the situation, we've laid it to bed," Tomlin said Tuesday. "Satisfactory action has been taken from our standpoint. ... For us, we're moving forward."

On the season, Holmes has 22 receptions for 360 yards and 1 TD.

Steelers vs Giants, 10/26

Today, the 5-1 Pittsburgh Steelers host the 5-1 New York Giants in the league's marquee match-up of the week.

Here are the keys to the game for the Steelers according to the Sporting News:

1. Pressure Manning. The Steelers have been generating a lot of pressure on the quarterback, particularly with outside linebackers Harrison and Woodley. They are the top sack tandem in the league and have combined for 16 of the team's 25 sacks. In addition, they have forced six turnovers, one for a touchdown.

2. Be Giant killers on the O-line. The Steelers think they have tightened their pass protection. Last week was the first time they didn't allow a sack in a game. The protection will need to be tight against the Giants, who generate pressure on the quarterback with their defensive linemen.

3. Gum the run. The defense has done a good job eliminating big plays, especially in the running game. Opponents are averaging just 2.9 yards per attempt and haven't had a run longer than 15 yards. The Steelers are the only team to not allow a run longer than 20 yards this season.

Prediction: Steelers 21, Giants 20

Steelers vs Bengals, 10/19

Today, the 4-1 Pittsburgh Steelers take on the 0-6 Cincinnati Bungles Bengals. The Steelers are nearly 10-point favorites on the road, but is this a trap game?

Here are the keys to the game for the Steelers according to the Sporting News:

1. Run the ball. The best way for the offensive line to gain cohesion and increase efficiency is run the ball, something they were able to do in their last outing, even without Willie Parker. But Parker should be back against the Bengals, and Mewelde Moore has shown he can alleviate some of the workload.

2. Take shorter drops. Roethlisberger has been under a lot of pressure, but he discovered in the second half against the Jaguars he could have success -- and limit his hits -- by throwing off three-step drops. Part of the problem with some of his sacks has been holding on to the ball too long.

3. Prevent third downs. The defense is efficient shutting down the run and getting off the field on third down. One problem against the Bengals, though, is their ability to get third-down stops with wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who runs routes underneath the coverage.

Game Prediction: Steelers 35, Bengals 14 (no trap)

Steelers vs Jaguars, 10/5

After facing a tough, physical Ravens team, the Steelers head to the road to face another tough, physical team in Jacksonville. To make matters worse, they do so on a short week.

Here are the keys to tonight's game for the Steelers according to The Sporting News:

1. Make plays in the passing game. The Steelers will be without their top two running backs -- Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall -- and that will likely put more pressure on Ben Roethlisberger to make big plays similar to the ones he made in the second half against the Ravens. The Steelers believe they can attack the Jaguars secondary.

2. Reduce turnovers. In what is usually a tight defensive matchup, the Steelers must eliminate giveaways, which have plagued them the past two games. Roethlisberger committed five turnovers in three games, including three fumbles and two interceptions. The fumbles were a result of heavy pressure in the pocket.

3. Corral Garrard. The sight of Garrard scrambling 32 yards to set up the winning last-minute field goal in last year's playoff loss at Heinz Field is a disturbing memory. Garrard's ability to run will force the Steelers defensive lineman to play contain, which will limit their opportunities to pressure the pocket in passing situations.

Game Prediction: Steelers 17, Jaguars 13