Steelers @ Ravens: Beatdown’s staff predictions

A classic AFC North showdown is on the slate for Week 4 as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to M&T Bank stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens. Both rivals are hoping to right the ship after embarrassing losses last weekend. The winner will be well positioned in the race for the division crown.

The Steelers are the superior team on paper since the Ravens have already placed five starters on injured reserve. However, John Harbaugh has generally out-coached Mike Tomlin in recent grudge matches, leading to Baltimore victories in six of the last eight meetings. Plus, the Ravens will have the home field advantage.

Baltimore Beatdown’s Week 4 staff predictions:

Ravens 26, Steelers 20. Lots of field goals for both sides, but a defensive TD for the Ravens supplements a solid game from Ravens and Flacco. Ravens win the turnover battle in this one, with a +2 in that department. - Yitzi Weiss

Ravens 23, Steelers 20. It almost feels like round 1 of this rivalry in 2017 had to play out like this. Both teams went on the road and lost in bad ways last week. The Ravens got embarrased by the Jaguars, and the Steelers lost in overtime to the Bears. However, records and stats are thrown out the window everytime these two get together. With this being at M&T Bank stadium, and Baltimore having a lot more to lose, I'm picking the Ravens. I think the offense and defense will get back on track in yet another fight to the finish with Pittsburgh. Ozzie Newsome rebuilt the secondary in the offseason to beat the Steelers after last year’s Christmas implosion, it needs to payoff in this game. - Evan Mazza

Steelers 24, Ravens 21. Everyone knows how close that these games usually are. With both teams coming off of a loss, they’ll have something to prove. The difference is that the Steelers have more offensive firepower. At the end, that will make the difference. With a 2-2 start, Baltimore will have to pull their offense together or this season is a wash. - Kyle J. Andrews

Ravens 17, Steelers 13. This is going to be won by the defense. Big Ben looks to be struggling and despite the performance last week from the Ravens defense, I don’t think this is a unit you break that slump against. Flacco has to get better, but if they can move the ball two or three times down the field, they should be able to squeeze this one out. - Tyler Jackson

Ravens 24, Steelers 21. The Ravens prove last week against Jacksonville to be an aberration against a Steelers team that also has something to prove. Both squads beat each other up as this one goes down to the wire in a matchup that as usual favors the home side. - Jacob Louque

Ravens 23, Steelers 21. Flacco comes out of the gate slinging it, leading to a passing touchdown on the Ravens first possession. The defense gets back to their attacking ways, forcing Ben into two first half turnovers, including Marlon Humphrey’s first career interception. Alex Collins extends the lead with a rushing score, but the Steelers catch fire in the fourth quarter to pull ahead. Justin Tucker splits the uprights for a last minute game winner. - Vasilis Lericos