Steelers-Raiders NFL Week 16: Franco's Death Overshadows Game

PITTSBURGH, PA — The atmosphere likely will be somber rather than celebratory and likely will overshadow the virtually meaningless battle between two mediocre football teams with identical 6-8 records.

The Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders will play against the backdrop of the death of Franco Harris, one of the greatest Steelers of all time and the linchpin of the Immaculate Reception - only the greatest play in NFL history.

At halftime, the Steelers are set to retire Franco Harris's number 32 on the Immaculate Reception's 50th anniversary weekend. Only two other Steelers have received that honor and both played defense: Ernie Stautner and Joe Greene.

In addition to the retirement ceremony, the Steelers also will be wearing throwback uniforms with the block numerals they wore during their 1970s dynasty.

The game will go on, as it must. Here's what you need to know about it:

• Where: Acrisure Stadium
• When: Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
• Forecast: Frigid, temperatures hovering around 10.
• Favored: Steelers by 3, according to oddsshark.com.
• Series history: Raiders lead the series 17-13.
• Last meeting: Sept. 19, 2021, Raiders won 26-17.
• Series streak: Raiders have won the last two meetings.
• TV: NFL Network with Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Allison Williams and Steve Wyche.
• Radio: WDVE-FM with Bill Hillgrove, Craig Wolfley and Max Starks.