Game forecast: Conspiracy against Steelers thickens in S.F.

Steeler-hating isn't just confined to Baltimore--it is prominent in the NFL front office, and namely in the person of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: Steeler-hater Number 1, as his favorite hobby is suspending Pittsburgh Steelers players for infractions that wouldn't merit even a wag-of-the-finger for players on any other team in the NFL.  His latest (and most favorite target), Steeler linebacker James Excessive Awesomeness Harrison, has been suspended for Pittsburgh's upcoming Monday night contest in San Francisco, who dared to try and tackle an opposing player--with the football--during a play on the field (between the whistles and everything).

Despite my best efforts, the Steelers are awesome...and I hate them

If Harrison's suspension didn't hurt the Steelers' chances on Monday night enough, reports have now surfaced that the NFL has approved a request by the Whiney-Bros.-Harbaugh to share information about how to beat Pittsburgh.  If you haven't heard enough of this bowel-wrenching story already, John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Haters and his brother Jim Harbaugh coaches the San Francisco Forty-whiners.  The Bros. Harbaugh were thoughtful enough to ask the NFL for permission for John (who beat the Steelers twice this year) to share strategies with Jim (who is facing the Pittsburgh for the first time as an opposing coach) about how to best attack the Steelers, and the NFL office gave its approval.  Of course.  If you need to run to your nearest bathroom now, the Steeler Face completely understands.

"I hate Pittsburgh for the 1995 AFC Championship Game . .  .  I thought he caught the ball, boo-hoo"--Jim.  "You don't hate the Steelers as much as I do, they knocked me out of the playoffs twice, bo-hoo-hoo"--John.

With all that being said, everybody and their red-headed Aunt Petunia knows that Pittsburgh (10-3) is facing its biggest challenge of the season on Monday night in San Francisco (also 10-3).  If the Steelers are to have even any hope of overtaking the Ravens and winning the AFC North Division, they need Baltimore to lose one of its remaining three games while Pittsburgh wins out--and the 49ers are the Steelers' biggest challenge, as Pittsburgh's remaining games are against the hapless Brownie Elves and St. Louis Rams.  The Ravens and Steelers both own 10-3 records, but Baltimore owns the tie-breaker by virtue of a season sweep of Pittsburgh (information that John is sharing with Jim).  A Steeler loss in S.F. means the black-and-gold are a Wild Card team at best, and thus no postseason games in Pittsburgh.

"Hate this . . . lamos"

On top of the NFL conspiracy to undo the Steelers, Pittsburgh's immortal QB, Ben Roethlisberger might sit this one out with a high ankle sprain and a broken thumb on his throwing hand.  (Actually, the Steeler Face thinks Big Ben plays this game no matter what, but he is listed as questionable, and even if he does play the high ankle sprain and broken thumb on his throwing hand will be issues, and not positive ones).  However, the awesome Troy Polamalu and Maurkice Pouncey will definitely be sitting out with injuries. 

At any rate, here's hoping everyone's hatred of our beloved black-and-gold will be further inflamed on Monday night, as the Steeler Face predicts an ugly, ugly, ugly Steeler win 17-16.  The Steeler Face is 8-4 forecasting Steeler game this year with 1 perfect pick.

P.S. Cheer the Chargers tonight as they play the Ravens.  I wonder if the NFL would allow Steeler Coach Mike Tomlin to share some tips with Chargers Coach Norv Turner . . . ?