The Ravens and Steelers are set to face off for the first time this season on Sunday.
The Steelers (2-2) will be looking to bounce back after a 24-point loss last weekend at the hands of the Texans. As for the Ravens (3-1), they are flying high after an impressive 28-3 victory against the Browns and their elite defense.
Here are 3 bold predictions for the divisional matchup in Steelers Week.
1. Lamar Jackson finally breaks through in a big way against the Steelers
There aren't many unfavorable numbers in Lamar Jackson's career so far, but he's always had his struggles against the Steelers. Shockingly, Jackson has only started 3 games against the Steelers in his 6-year career, but he hasn't fared particularly well in those games. He currently has a record of 1-2, with 4 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a completion percentage of just 59%.
Although those numbers are a bit ugly, I think he turns it around against the Steelers in this matchup.
Jackson is coming off of a tremendous, four-touchdown performance against the best defense in the league in Cleveland.
He pulled that off without two of his top receivers (Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr.) and without his starting left tackle (Ronnie Stanley). All three of those players practiced in some capacity this week and it looks like they could make their returns on Sunday.
Having their top tackle healthy and two key weapons will only make this offense better in week 5.
Injury Report for Week 5: pic.twitter.com/EB8osujmQL
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 4, 2023
The Steelers are always a tough matchup for the Ravens, but their defense isn't playing to their normal standard so far. Although their defense has forced a lot of turnovers (5th most in the league), they have really struggled in basically every other category. They've allowed the 4th-most rushing yards per game, 7th most passing yards per game, and the 10th-most total points per game.
Overall, I think this could be a big game for Lamar Jackson. I think he combines for 3 more touchdowns and over 350 yards of total offense against the Steelers this week.