The NFL schedule makers do not intentionally hand out competitive advantages, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering Sunday with a massive procedural edge over the Indianapolis Colts.
While Pittsburgh spent the past week resting and recovering following a short bus ride back from Cleveland, the Colts face a brutal travel itinerary that includes an overseas flight back from London before heading right back on the road to Acrisure Stadium.
“Pro Football Talk” host Mike Florio recently highlighted the stark contrast between how the league protects certain short-week teams and how this particular matchup slipped through the cracks.
"Now, in this context, here's where the disparity arises," Florio noted. "And if I were the Colts, I would not be happy
about this. The Steelers played last Thursday night. They had a bus trip. It was close enough to go on a bus from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. They're home Thursday night. They're getting their rest."
Meanwhile, Indianapolis was forced to navigate transatlantic logistics on short notice.
"They're watching the Colts on Sunday morning playing in London," Florio said. "The Colts have to come back from London, then travel to Pittsburgh. Not that it's a long trip, but they've got to go to London, back from London, and then to Pittsburgh. And the Steelers had extra days plus short trip. If I'm the Colts, I'm a little irritated by that."
Extra rest is always a commodity in the NFL, but extra days paired with zero flight fatigue provide Pittsburgh with a distinct physical advantage. As Mike McCarthy’s squad looks to establish early momentum, this schedule disparity gives the Steelers every tactical reason to capitalize on a jet-lagged opponent.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers hold a hidden advantage over Colts
