5 bold predictions for the Steelers in Week 8 vs. Ravens

McFarland leads the way

James Conner has looked like his 2018 self so far this season, running hard, picking up tough yards, and contributing as a receiver. While his role as top dog in the Steelers running back group won’t go away unless an injury occurs, the team has also been regularly rotating the backups in to rest Conner. Benny Snell has become a prototypical short-yardage and goal-line back while Anthony McFarland has seen 3-6 touches a game.

The problem this week is that the Ravens have been good at shutting down bruising running backs. While Conner will be given ample opportunities to break that trend, it could be an explosive back like McFarland that ultimately has the most yards of the group. If McFarland can finally break off a long rush, he could very well end the game as the Steelers leading runner despite Conner out-touching him.

Thus, the prediction goes as follows, McFarland’s second touch of the game is a 75-yard sweep that he takes to the house. That, along with the other five touches he receives gives him 89 yards on the day. Conner touches the ball 18 times but only amounts to 73 total yards. McFarland looks ready to use his speed and given the Ravens run defense, this could be the week he finally takes one to the house.