Buccaneers' run defense, second in NFL, faces Steelers' ground game

The Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4) on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET in a game that turns on Tampa Bay's second-ranked run defense against a Pittsburgh ground game ranked 19th.

Tampa Bay averages 133 rushing yards, seventh in the league, but only 190.4 passing yards, 26th. Pittsburgh allows 103.4 rushing yards a game, 13th, so the run is where the Buccaneers can find room.

The Buccaneers allow 72.8 rushing yards a game, second-fewest in the NFL. Pittsburgh runs for 101.2, which pushes the Steelers toward the pass.

Protection shapes that matchup. The Steelers allow 2.8 sacks a game, 27th, and Tampa Bay generates 1.2, 29th. The Buccaneers' line gives up 3.4 a game, 31st, while Pittsburgh generates 2.4.

Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns in five starts. Jaylen Warren has 410 rushing yards and 19 catches, and T.J. Watt has five sacks in four games.

For Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving has 406 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, and Emeka Egbuka has 21 receptions.

Baker Mayfield is out with a thumb injury. He leads Tampa Bay with 615 passing yards in three starts. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is out with a rib injury, and linebacker Josiah Trotter, the team's leading tackler, is questionable with a knee injury.

Pittsburgh has four players out. Receiver DK Metcalf, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and running back Rico Dowdle are among five questionable.

Raymond James Stadium is open-air, and the forecast calls for 16 mph wind from the northeast, a factor for a Tampa Bay passing game already short on yards.

Sportsbooks' prices give Pittsburgh a 57% chance to win and Tampa Bay 43%. Kickoff is Sunday, October 18, in Tampa.