The Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to Paris for a historic Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, but they have more to focus on than making history overseas. With Mike McCarthy looking to build momentum, Pittsburgh must win several key individual battles to come away with another victory and strengthen its position in the AFC North.
From protecting Aaron Rodgers against a surging pass rusher to exploiting New Orleans’ coverage tendencies, the Steelers have several opportunities to gain an advantage. Pat Freiermuth and Germie Bernard could play important roles in the passing game, while Nick Herbig will look to build on his impressive Week 6 performance. Here are four key matchups to watch when the Steelers face the Saints in Paris.
Troy Fautanu vs. Chase Young
This could be the most important individual battle for the Steelers’ offense on Sunday. If Fautanu can keep Young at bay, Pittsburgh’s offense will have a much better chance of finding its rhythm. If he struggles, it could be a long day at the office for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Fautanu has taken a step forward since the early part of the season, but Pittsburgh needs him to rediscover the form he showed in 2025. He may need a few more games to reach that level consistently, but he must take another step forward Sunday against a red-hot pass rusher in Young.
Pat Freiermuth vs. Danny Stutsman
Pittsburgh’s tight ends are becoming focal points of the offense, and Freiermuth is on pace for a strong bounce-back season. This week, he will have an opportunity to put pressure on the Saints’ off-ball linebackers and create mismatches in the passing game.
Stutsman, in particular, has allowed a 100% completion rate on passes thrown his way. Freiermuth could exploit that weakness and force New Orleans to adjust its defensive approach on the fly.
Germie Bernard vs. Kool-Aid McKinstry/Jonas Sanker
Bernard will likely see plenty of McKinstry when he lines up on the boundary as Pittsburgh’s No. 2 wide receiver. However, when Bernard takes the majority of his expected snaps in the slot, Sanker could become his primary coverage assignment.
The Saints play the third-fewest snaps in man coverage, which could work in Bernard’s favor. He has developed into a crafty receiver who can find openings against zone defenses, giving Rodgers another potential target to exploit New Orleans’ coverage tendencies.
Nick Herbig vs. Asim Richards
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Herbig played a season-high 35 snaps on the defensive line in Week 6, recording five pressures, two sacks and five run stuffs. If defensive coordinator Patrick Graham deploys him in a similar role in Week 7, Herbig could deliver another disruptive performance.
Richards has endured an inconsistent season with the Saints. If he struggles to hold up against Pittsburgh’s edge rushers, Herbig and company could take advantage by generating pressure, disrupting the Saints’ passing game and creating negative plays.
More on the Pittsburgh Steelers
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- 5 Thoughts Ahead of Steelers Week 7 vs. Saints
- Steelers’ Early Playoff Probability Could Take a Massive Leap or Tumble in Week 7
- Steelers Again Linked to Legend’s Nephew With Trade Deadline Approaching
