Steelers vs. Rams: Writers' picks and predictions for a complex Week 7 matchup

Final prediction has the Rams offense being too much of a threat for the Steelers

It is the seventh week of the NFL schedule, and the Steelers still have glaring holes across their starting lineup. Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson are finally getting their defensive reps cut so Joey Porter Jr. can get meaningful snaps. That is starting to make a difference, but either Wallace or Peterson have to start opposite of him still. That is a huge liability.

The offense of the Steelers probably won't turn things around magically like everyone blindly hopes for each week. Both Kenny Pickett and Matt Canada have evolved into a nearly invisible offensive unit. Aaron Donald should be effective throughout the game and cause issues. There are just too many things going against a positive outcome for Pittsburgh in this one.

Rams win 27-19

Stafford should be able to pick apart the Steelers secondary with Kupp and Puka Nacua throughout four quarters. No matter if Watt and Highsmith are going full tilt in this one or not, the Rams should be able to move the ball up and down the field effectively by getting away quick passes. It is hard to imagine that Pittsburgh will be able to get much help on offense anyway.

It seems like a pipe dream to imagine this offensive unit could compete stride for stride with a Sean McVay led offense. It seems like that won't happen again based on the track record of this group for the Steelers. They should be able to keep the final score close, but it could get ugly if Pickett does not protect the ball well against an underrated LA defense.