Ravens vs. Steelers full preview: What you need to know

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tony Jefferson #23 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a defensive stop during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tony Jefferson #23 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a defensive stop during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 hands the ball off to Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 hands the ball off to Mark Ingram #21 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Projecting the top performers:

Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram: The best bet based on the first four games is that the Ravens will get a lot out of Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram. When the offense is right, these are the main two ingredients. Expect Ingram to make a heavy impact in this game. Ingram is by far the best running back the Steelers have had to prepare for in 2019. While Devin Bush has given the Steelers a boost defensively, the Ravens are the best running team in the league.

I expect the Ravens to focus much more on the run game moving forward. They know they have to control the clock and limit the chances for their defense to be exposed. Lamar Jackson is a very good quarterback in his second season, however the running game is the bread and butter of this offense. Give me 100 yards on the ground for Ingram and his busiest workload yet this season. He should have 20 carries in this game, which would be a first for this season.

This is Jackson’s first game against the Steelers (at least as the starting quarterback). It comes in Heinz Field. This is a big test for Jackson. Jackson has been very clutch this season and he’s been great on third downs. Look for Jackson to have 250 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. He’ll likely add 50-70 rushing yards as well.

Marquise Brown: Last year John Brown made a big impact in Heinz Field for the Ravens. This year it’s a different speedster named Brown who has a chance to shine. I still believe the Steelers are susceptible to the big play in the passing game. Marquise Brown could beat the Steelers defense deep and he could torch Minkah Fitzpatrick for the second time this season. If the Ravens get back to the ground and pound style of play and set up the deep shot with short passing and good design shots to Brown will be how the Ravens get the jackpot against this defense. Give me eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns for Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.

Schedule