Writers’ Picks: Steelers Week 8 matchup vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Still Curtain is back with volume eight of our 2020 predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) exhibition versus the Baltimore Ravens (5-1).
Another day, another dollar; another week, & hopefully another Pittsburgh Steelers victory. Couldn’t ask for any better matchup other than their historical, legendary rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens to assure so much that’s on the line.
Does the season end in week eight? No, but after a beginning schedule that still drifts the question by many of the legitimacy for the Steelers, this is the perfect moment for them to prove so. Beating the Tennessee Titans in Nashville was one thing, but possibly going back-to-back on the road with the AFC’s most formidable opponents, the uncertainty will dissipate immediately.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM E.T., & our team at the Still Curtain returns to predict and preview what should be the NFL’s game of the week.
Recap
The Steelers’ current gauntlet stretch of games continues to knock our perfect prediction records out left & right. Now a 50/50 split for those either 6-0 or 5-1, this week stakes are high not only for Pittsburgh but here as well.
Baltimore is no joke of a team, so the reality of a loss is sure to create some doubts this week. Or will it?
Still Curtain’s 2020 Record
Eric Hassel (6-0)
Ed Hunt (5-1)
Andrew Falce (5-1)
Tommy Jaggi (5-1)
Brandon Kring (5-1)
Jordan Newman (6-0)
Ryan Pawloski (6-0)
Casey Sadekoski (6-0)
Week eight predictions vs. Ravens
”The battle for the AFC North and perhaps the AFC Conference comes down to game-sealing INT by Pittsburgh’s defense. In what has been a back and forth affair with neither offense really able to get on track, the Steelers offense finally get something going and scores a late TD to make it a 17-16 game. The Ravens mount a potential game-winning drive only to see Lamar Jackson picked off by Joe Haden. A knee is then taken to remain undefeated.” – Eric Hassel (PIT 17-16)
”The Black & Gold face-off with Baltimore and home-field advantage might be the difference in this one. Mike Tomlin’s team should fall short.” – Ed Hunt (BAL 24-21)
“Pittsburgh contains Jackson and the run game. A few big passes keeps it close but the Steelers still find a way to win.” – Andrew Falce (PIT 31-27)
”I underestimated the Steelers when they faced the Browns this year, and I didn’t make the same mistake last week against the Titans. While the Ravens could very well be the best opponent they face all year, Pittsburgh nearly beat them on the road last year with a combination of Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. I think the defense contains the run and narrowly advance to their seventh straight win.” – Tommy Jaggi (PIT 23-20)
”The Ravens are struggling on offense somewhat but are still winning games. Their defense is tough and they will give the offense fits and come out on top in a close game.” – Brandon Kring (BAL 20-17)
”In a game that will be one of the better all-around defensive performances you’ll see all year, the need for an explosive play is needed. Thankfully for Pittsburgh, Baltimore severely lacks this ability on the outside & the shuffling for consistency with the inside of their OL dampens their rushing attack against the Steelers front seven. It remains a close one, but Ben’s efficiency & accuracy as a passer keeps them on top.” – Jordan Newman (PIT 20-13)
“This is always a tough game and the two-game a series usually splits each year. It’s a very tough game for Pittsburgh after that tough game against the Titans as the Ravens had the week off. That extra week of preparation and rest will help the Ravens win this first game of the two this season.” – Ryan Pawloski (BAL 28-21)
light. Related Story. 4 biggest causes of concern for Steelers vs. Ravens Week 8
”Lamar Jackson has not shown the ability to win with just his arm yet. The Steelers run defense is too good and they allow Lamar to scramble and make mistakes.” – Casey Sadekoski (PIT 30-24)