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

Johnson cleans it up

Diontae Johnson returned last week, and while he still suffered from a few blunders that are becoming an unfortunate constant for him, he also displayed top-level route running and the ability to break out of tackles. His style of game is more akin to former Steelers Antonio Brown, where he may not have elite physical traits, but he can beat almost anyone in single coverage with sharp routes.

This should bode well against a Ravens defense does have strong outside corners, but they aren’t designed to cover a player like Johnson. They are bigger and physical which makes it harder to beat them deep but exposes them against a receiver like Johnson. While the Steelers bigger and more physical receivers like Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster may struggle to beat Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, Johnson has a chance to expose them.

Frankly, the Steelers should use Johnson just like they did last year. If they see him singled up, allow him to win on his route, get the ball in his hands, and let him play. He could very easily put up similar numbers to what he did last week, and if he does, that could lead to yet another big week. All of this said, if he can do this while minimizing his mistakes, Johnson may look like the true number one receiver many were expecting him to be this year.

In what will surely be a hard-fought matchup, the Steelers and Ravens will likely be determined by only a few plays. Consider these bold predictions above, as if any of them come true, it could ultimately determine who wins and loses this week.