Steelers vs. Raiders: Still Curtain picks cast doubt after recent loss

After back-to-back losses, the Steelers will hit the road and face off against the Las Vegas Raiders. It will be a late afternoon game for Pittsburgh, but another test for the group. Both teams have shown signs of struggle in recent weeks. The Raiders have problems besides their units in the trenches. Both they and the Steelers have quarterback controversies taking place each week.

Las Vegas has been inconsistent. Some weeks, they can shut a team down and produce more than 20 points in a game. Other weeks, they can struggle to stop their opposition and barely get anything going on offense. The Steelers will have to try and take advantage of that if they want to win this contest. It is hard to label a game as a "must-win" this early in the season, but this merits it.

Pittsburgh needs to find a way to win this football game. They are battered with injuries, so their depth will be tested to the max. If they can't find ways to get off the field without allowing points, then this could be another ugly loss. They will be facing a quarterback who would be considered backup-level anywhere else, so excuses are starting to run dry when it comes to the Steelers losing these types of matchups.

Still Curtain Expert panel predictions has Steelers falling off a cliff

"The Raiders have given Pittsburgh trouble in their history, especially when it's a road game for the Steelers. Pittsburgh comes out flat on offense again and it proves too much on the road, even with the defense having a better game this week. The Raiders hand Pittsburgh their third straight loss, continuing their downward spiral." - Brandon Kring (Raiders 16-13)

"The Steelers look to get the winning train back on track as we head to Las Vegas to face the Raiders. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned. In what will be a hard-fought game, the Raiders will prevail in the end." - Eric C Hassel (Raiders 23-20)

"The Steelers have struggled out west in recent years, and playing the Raiders won't be a walk in the park. Las Vegas is 2-2 in their last four games. Surprisingly both wins came against the AFC North (Ravens and Browns). Regardless, Mike Tomlin knows his teams can't afford to drop a third straight game. I've got Pittsburgh bouncing back from their early-season slump." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 19-17)

"I go back and forth on this one. On one hand, the Steelers are in line for a classic rebound game given the issues at hand with the team. On the other hand, the offense seems content to remain mediocre and the team has notoriously struggled against the Raiders. At the end of the day, I think this team is just biding its time for Russell Wilson, and the end results are another frustrating loss." - Andrew Falce (Raiders 15-13)

"Classic Mike Tomlin game. There are few reasons the Steelers should lose to a Radiers squad down its top two receiving targets while going through a quarterback conundrum, but surely they will. Still, I believe in Justin Fields and his consistency. That'll be the difference as Pittsburgh grabs it's fourth win." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 17-13)

Final predictions has Steelers barely surviving vs. Raiders

Score Prediction: Steelers 16, Raiders 13

A lot of great points were brought up by the expert picks above. They produce a sense of worry, but potential optimism in this game if the Steelers can answer some questions. When it comes down to it, the defense will have to find a way to shut the Raiders down at the end of the game. They weren't able to against the Cowboys last week, so this could be a great opportunity to redeem themselves.

Justin Fields will probably start, but his leash is getting shorter. He needs to have a tremendous game. Otherwise, another loss will probably mean Russell Wilson gets the start from here on. Najee Harris and the run game have to find ways to succeed on the ground. The Raiders have some good players along their defensive front. A stable run game could help slow Las Vegas down.

Don't expect a ton of points to be scored this week on either side. It should be another ugly offensive performance by both teams. The Steelers need to find ways to protect the football on offense but also get down the field and cash in. Getting George Pickens involved against a poor Raiders secondary should help. Fields must find ways of getting the ball out quickly and effectively.

Pittsburgh's defense has a mountain of injuries and that could affect them in a lot of ways. Expect T.J. Watt to get double or triple-teamed on each play. It is going to be a big game for those who are replacing Nick Herbig. If they can't shut the run down and add pressure on the quarterback at all, then this could be a tough one to watch. This will be a grueling battle against the Raiders, but the Steelers should win.