Steelers vs. Raiders: Still Curtain’s Week 2 predictions

With the Pittsburgh Steelers set to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in week two, the Still Curtain team attempts to bounce back as a group.

From the AFC East to the AFC West, the Pittsburgh Steelers matchup Sunday with a once-common opponent throughout the early 2000s, the Las Vegas Raiders. A series that has favored the home team, the winner of the previous five games, is electing to select the Steelers already if the trend follows suit.

Both fresh off unforeseen wins, the mystery holds up on what identity will these teams carry in the 2021 season? The Raiders finally came through in a close game, and Pittsburgh’s offense produced late after the defense held up long enough.

Questions that will find their answers, Pittsburgh should come out victorious as much as the Raiders could steal one away.

Only until the clock hits 00:00 on the scoreboard will the world know, but until then, all we can do is speculate.

Writers’ recap of Steelers vs. Bills

Unfortunately, the start the Steelers had on the season didn’t entirely align with our predictions as a collective group. Only three contributing writers, Casey, Scott, and Loyal, as listed below, saw the vision of Pittsburgh coming away with a win over the Buffalo Bills.

Although no one accurately guessed the correct score, Loyal’s 24-14 predicted ending was that close to matching the 23-16 finish the Steelers had over the Bills in Week 1.

Do the Still Curtain as a group believe in the black and gold heading into Week 2?

Still Curtain 2021 Records

Kody Duncan (0-0)

Andrew Falce (0-1)

Eric Hassel (0-1)

Tommy Jaggi (0-1)

Brandon Kring (0-1)

Shayne Kubas (0-1)

Scott Long (1-0)

Luke Metrinko (0-1)

Jordan Newman (0-1)

Loyal Ricks Jr (1-0)

Casey Sadekoski (1-0)

Writers’ Week 2 predictions: Steelers vs. Raiders

Kody Duncan – In the past four meetings, the Steelers and Raiders have come down to three points. I don’t expect any different this game. Raiders always play tough against the Steelers and it should come down to the wire. (PIT 24-21)

Andrew Falce – Steelers Pass rush and secondary are too much for the raiders to handle. A multi-interception game for Derek Carr allows Pittsburgh to win despite another lackluster offensive performance. (PIT 24-17)

Eric Hassel – Coming off a road win against the Bills, the Steelers will enjoy the environs of home.  In what will prove to be a back and forth battle, Pittsburgh triumphs in the end against the LV Raiders with a last-minute TD drive. (PIT 24-21)

Tommy Jaggi – After defeating the Buffalo Bills on the road in Week 1, the Steelers get a less daunting task this Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger is 0-4 all-time against the Raiders on the road. Fortunately, he gets them at home this week where he has been 2-1 against this team in his career. Las Vegas is coming off a hard-fought overtime win on Monday night and traveling to the east coast on a short week. Historically, these matchups always favor the home team. I have the Steelers winning this one. (PIT 28-21)

Brandon Kring – The Steelers defense is no joke and held down a solid Buffalo team all game. The offense started to figure some things out in the second half and the Raiders defense was not good against the Ravens on MNF and they play on a short week on the east coast. (PIT 28-17)

Shayne Kubas – Raiders looked much better on defense in Week 1 than expected. Their pass rush especially looked much improved led by Maxx Crosby, so Pittsburgh should focus on keeping the ball on the ground and utilizing play action. If they can be successful at that and can limit Darren Waller’s impact, they should be able to control the game on defense and get the win at home. (PIT 24-20)

Scott Long –  The team is able to replicate its success on the defensive success from last week, while the offense gets into a little more of a groove against the raiders. While Darren Waller gives the team some headaches the Steelers do a good job keeping most of the other options in check. (PIT 27-16)

Jordan Newman – Proving they have the ability to make a statement in the second half, the Steelers maintain their juice against a hot Raiders offense that will be without RB Josh Jacobs and do it confidently. The defensive line becomes too much, per usual, and the offense finds its way more than what people are expecting. (PIT 30-17)

Ryan Pawloski –  The Raiders are coming off a short week and they have to travel across the country, so that will be a major setback for them even before the game starts. This should be a game the Steelers win easily but there is an odd feeling heading into this one. The Raiders got some weapons that should concern fans heading into this one. With that said, the Steelers just have too many positives going in their direction and they should win this game. (PIT 27-24)

Loyal Ricks Jr – Steelers defense gets caught in the first half but surges to seal off victory at home. (PIT 21–16)

Casey Sadekoski – Najee Harris has his first 100-yard rushing performance of his NFL career against the raiders. Pittsburgh wins. (PIT 24-10)