Luke Kuechly highlights how Steelers can shut down "MVP-hopeful" Saquon Barkley

One of the best games of Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season is a Keystone state battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles. The storyline of Sunday's game will be how well the Steelers's defense (which leads the NFL in takeaways) can contain Philly's offense - specifically Saquon Barkley, the league's leading rusher.

Sunday's game will be a big moral victory for the victor as the playoff looms. The Steelers defense ranks in the top five in points allowed and rush yards allowed per game. Barkley is the NFL's leading rusher with 1,623 yards, an Eagles franchise record.

Former NFL linebacker Luke Keuchly appeared on the Up & Adams Show hosted by Kay Adams on Thursday and spoke about how the Steelers can shut down Barkley. He thinks it all starts with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and being able to set the outside edge not to give Barkley a ton of space.

"Pittsburgh's got a challenge on their hands this week. I think it starts with Highsmith and TJ Watt," Keuchly said. "Are they able to set firm edges on the outside of that defense? If that ball continues to stretch to the perimeter of the defense towards the sidelines, it opens up more lateral seams for Saquon to put his foot in the ground and get up field."

"So I think it starts with those guys in the edge, and then those two linebackers, when they see run, they have to get downhill with what Philly does such a good job, is they're really good up front on double teams on the defensive lineman."

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles game features division leaders in the 2024 NFL season

Action from the recent Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in 2022. (Credits: Getty)

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday features two of the top teams in the NFL.

The Steelers (10-3) are atop the AFC North division and are currently the No. 3 seed in the AFC. Meanwhile, the Eagles (11-2) are in first place in the NFC East division and are the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind the Detroit Lions.

This will be the 82nd meeting in the Battle for Pennsylvania rivalry. The Philadelphia Eagles lead 49–29–3 following their latest win (35-13) in the 2022 clash.

Regardless of Sunday's outcome, both teams will remain in first place in their respective divisions, but a win for the victor will increase their chances of a top seed in their conference.

Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. Who do you think will win this Sunday?