Steelers contrast slow Week 6 start with fast 2025 international opener vs. Vikings

Pittsburgh still rallied at Tampa Bay for a 26-19 victory.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

The Steelers got off to a slow start in Week 6 against Tampa Bay but played well early in their last international game Via @usatodaysports on X

What happened: Pittsburgh opened slowly on the road in Week 6 on Oct. 18 after executing a fast start against the Minnesota Vikings in the teams' 2025 international matchup. Despite the sluggish opening phase against Tampa Bay, the Steelers recovered to close out a seven-point road victory.

Why it matters: Opening-quarter execution carries weight after the Steelers navigated a thin wide receiver rotation in Week 6 while advancing to 4-2 and the No. 6 seed in the AFC. Minnesota holds the NFC's No. 2 seed at 5-0 following its 23-13 road win at New Orleans on Oct. 11.

By the numbers: Pittsburgh sits at 4-2 on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Buccaneers 26-19 on Oct. 18. Minnesota is 5-0 on a five-game winning streak following its 10-point victory over the Saints.

What to watch: Both franchises approach the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline in playoff position as Pittsburgh evaluates wide receiver upgrades and unbeaten Minnesota assesses the trade market.

Sources

@usatodaysports 2026-10-23T12:45:09.320725+00:00

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