Darin McCann’s prediction:
Following last weekend’s demolition at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens can not afford to drop to 0-2 in the AFC North, with both of those losses coming against their supposed main competitors for division supremacy. Of course, staring down the barrel of their own 1-3 overall record, the Steelers don’t figure to just roll over at home so the Ravens can feel better about themselves.
With Mason Rudolph leading the offense in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have dialed back their offense from the explosive, score-from-anywhere unit that has been on display the past several years to a conservative, ball-control offense. The problem, to this point, is the Steelers have been struggling to run the ball, so their ball control comes in the form of screen passes and other safe passing options.
If, and this is a big “if,” the Ravens can tackle well this Sunday, they will neutralize the Steelers offense, particularly if Marlon Humphrey and company can control JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is struggling with his own health issues this week. If the Ravens can keep the steelers offense controlled, that tilts the advantage heavily in Baltimore’s direction.
The Ravens have shown to have an effective offense this season, ranking at or near the top in several important categories, including scoring, rushing yards and passing yards. If the Ravens can hold Pittsburgh to 24 or fewer points, I think the Ravens can come out of this game on top, and heading back in the right direction for the season.
They will. Mark Ingram has been great this season, averaging 82 yards a game on the ground and rushing for five touchdowns. The Steelers currently rank 22nd in the league against the rush, so Ingram, Gus Edwards and Lamar Jackson should be able to find running lanes. The Steelers also rank 19th against the pass, so don’t be surprised if the Ravens can find some success hitting Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown throughout the game if they can establish the run early and make the Steelers linebackers and safeties make some decisions.
Bold predictions
• Mark Ingram and Lamar Jackson combine for more than 200 yards on the ground.
• Marquise Brown scores from 50-plus yards.
• Brandon Carr and Tony Jefferson both get interceptions on short passes, one of which is off a deflection from Chris Wormley at the line.
Final score
Ravens 33 Steelers 24