Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 predictions for week 8

Dec 29, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) scrambles with the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) defends during the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) scrambles with the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) defends during the fourth quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks off the field after win against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks off the field after win against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Ravens will get out to their typical fast start:

What do the Ravens do well in the Lamar Jackson era? They get out to a fast start. The Ravens have beaten almost everybody since Lamar Jackson took over at quarterback and fast starts have kind of become their main method of winning. The one thing every Ravens loss in that time span has in common, is a slow and frustrating start to the game. After the bye, against a team the Ravens are overly familiar with, the Ravens will be ready.

The Ravens out-thought themselves against the Kansas City Chiefs because they never figured out how to beat Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. This is different. This is Ravens vs. Steelers. This is a familiar foe, and the way to win the battle is nothing that Baltimore has to learn.

They know exactly how to do it. John Harbaugh is 13-11 against Mike Tomlin. The Ravens have won three of the last four games in this rivalry. The game plan won’t be a problem like it was in the Ravens last truly huge contest. I also think this doesn’t just have to do with the offense.

The defense has a chance to put it’s fingerprints on Baltimore success early in this game. The Steelers were looking for answers when they allowed the Titans to really own the second half of their last game. The Titans were a field goal away from overtime after being down 24-7. The Ravens are getting Pittsburgh at the right time and I’m not sure the Steelers know that yet. 6-0 hides problems.

Here is exactly what I expect. I think it will be a good first quarter for the Ravens. The Ravens will jump out to a 10 point lead and have a lead the whole way. It’s Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh so it will get way too close for comfort. The Ravens will win and we’ll do it all over again on Thanksgiving.

dark. Next. Purple Friday Q&A: Everything Ravens vs. Steelers

Give me the Ravens 31-24. Give me the most momentous win for the Ravens since they beat the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle last year. This is a game that could spark the season. It is a needed win and I trust John Harbaugh in a fight against our toughest foe.