Here are five bold predictions for the Steelers rematch against the Ravens this week
Another week through, and another set of bold predictions that luckily didn’t come true. The Steelers looked like an efficient unit against the Jaguars last week, and it allowed them to run a relatively traditional offense. With a huge rematch against the Ravens at hand, the bold predictions this week are far more likely to be a factor this week. This game is going to be close, as both of these teams are fighting for something right now.
While the Steelers won the earlier bout this season, week 12 poises a new brand of issues. The Ravens are suddenly fighting not just for a win, but potentially for their season. They will surely be entering this game hoping to have an upset. As for the Steelers, they are clinging to first place in the AFC, but a loss opens the door for the Chiefs to enter into the picture. The bold predictions this week could end up being what alters the game. With all that said, here are five bold predictions for the Steelers vs. Ravens in week 12.
Jackson looks more like an RB
In his two games playing against the Steelers, Lamar Jackson has looked like anything but an MVP. While he tossed two touchdowns in the earlier matchup, he was limited to 200 yards through the air and he threw two interceptions on top of it. The Steelers seem to have figured out a good strategy with him: make him throw the ball and keep good pressure on him while he does it.
This hasn’t stopped him from running the ball, as he is still the best quarterback when scrambling. Considering the Ravens are limited in practice this week, it is safe to say the Ravens will be a run-heavy team this week. As well, with Jackson’s aforementioned struggles throwing against the Steelers, it seems likely the Ravens roll with him on the ground more so than through the air.
Thus, the bold prediction is that Jackson plays like more of a running back this week than a quarterback. This means he has well over 15 rushing attempts and likewise throws for less than 200 yards. I think he may make mistakes while throwing the ball, but the focus on the run limits them. While this may sound like a lackluster offense, I think the Steelers offense starts off far worse (more on that below). If he can do his damage on the ground, it may be just enough to secure a win.
Edmunds pick party doesn’t stop
Steelers nation had been fairly critical of Terrell Edmunds at the beginning of the season, as the former first-round pick had yet to blossom into more than an average starter. After the first few games this season, his play started turning around. He was making better plays in coverage, was providing great tackling, and was developing well as a more “in the box” safety for this defense.
This development paid off big last week when Edmunds snagged two interceptions. Granted, these were from Jake Luton, but both of his interceptions were relatively high quality. Going into this week, Edmunds will likely be tasked with covering Mark Andrews early and often. Considering he is such a big red zone threat; his coverage will likely be vital in securing a few stops this week.
This, mixed in with Jackson’s interception tendency, has me calling that Edmunds gets his third interception of the season this week. Specifically, the Ravens are up and driving late in the second quarter. Jackson throws a dart to Andrews, but Edmunds pops out and snags the ball, ending the drive without Ravens points. Even if he can’t keep the turnover rate up, seeing Edmunds finally excel has been enjoyable as a fan of the team.
Edwards goes on a tear
Despite playing for the Ravens, Gus Edwards is hard to root against. The former UDFA never had much success in college but has shown that he has great size and deceptive speed as a runner at the NFL level. The Steelers are well aware of this fact, as he has had his best games consistently against this defense during his young career. This season and last he posted his high in rushing yards when facing the Steelers, and the best game of his career was arguably week 17 last year.
I think he tops all of those numbers this week as he pummels the Steelers defense that has struggled to stop the run recently. Throw in Jackson working the option plays in throughout the day, and the focus won’t fall solely on Edwards. Throw in the other Ravens running backs on the COVID list, and Edwards is primed for a big day.
I think Edwards gets the Derrick Henry treatment, meaning he sees 30-35 touches on the day from an offense that relies on the run early and often. Yes, they will mix in speedy option Justice Hill, but Edwards should see the bulk of those touches. As a result, he gains 150 total yards and scores twice. This will mark the best game of his career to this point, and he will once again show the Steelers that he is a thorn in their side.
Roethlisberger has his worst game of the season
From a player’s best game of his career to another’s worst of the season, I think Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense struggle this week. Yes, Roethlisberger has been playing some of the best football of his career this year and arguably should be in the MVP race, but nothing bodes well for his this week. As a result, I think he struggles.
The confusing week mixed in with his addition on the injury report means he will practice very little this week. That will lead to some rough early passes as Roethlisberger tries to get into a rhythm. I think the Ravens are far more successful running the ball early on, meaning the Steelers will find themselves behind, causing Roethlisberger to throw the ball more and force more throws. He’ll connect on a few plays here and there, but I think he makes more mistakes than he has and misses some easier throws.
As of now, his worst week was likely Tennessee where he threw three interceptions. I think he matches that number but throws for less yardage and has a worse completion percentage. This doesn’t mean I think Roethlisberger is washed up (he isn’t playing like he is at least), but the weird week doesn’t bode well for him throwing the ball all over the Ravens. The Steelers offense runs through Roethlisberger, meaning if he struggles, the unit as a whole could struggle.
Tucker kicks a record-breaking game-winner
If you can’t tell from this writing, I don’t think the Steelers are going to win this week. With a desperate Ravens team entering the picture and a weird week that will likely limit the Steelers’ offense, I think this game ends up favoring the Ravens. That said, I do believe it will be close. While the Ravens could go up early, I think the Steelers end up tying late in the game. One of the worst Steelers killers will ultimately decide the fate of the game.
There is a sense of pride at Heinz Field for how hard it is to kick field goals. This is partially due to the stadium being so close to the rivers that additional wind can pick up and cause kicks to sway. That said, no kicker has ever been as successful as Justin Tucker recently, and it is rare for him to end up missing a kick. Thus, the bold prediction is a specific one: Tucker kicks a game-winning 57-yard field goal as time expires.
This would certainly be a brutal way to end the game and the perfect season, but the Ravens will be fighting for their season this week. Expect their very best, and if the game gets close, they will have little issue turning to Tucker. I think the Steelers make the game a competitive tie after going down early, but there is enough of a spark at the end of the game for the Ravens to get the field goal. How heartbreaking it would be to see Tucker take over as the record holder on a game-winning field goal.
What isn’t a bold prediction is that this will be a tough fight for both teams. Neither can afford a loss in their position right now. That said, the weird week heavily favors the Ravens and their running attack. If they can get a few of these bold predictions to swing their way, the Steelers could be in trouble.