Madden’s Week 9 prediction: No love lost

The Ravens are on a serious roll, and after knocking off the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, they enter Week 9 against the rival Steelers at 5-3. They already dropped one to Pittsburgh in gut wrenching fashion, so they will be looking to even the season series in their home stadium.

In a rainy game versus the Panthers, they had trouble getting much going offensively, relying mainly on field goals to ultimately get the win. However, that approach is not going to work against the Steelers. Their high flying offense can go punch for punch with any team, so Baltimore will have to find a better rhythm to compete.

At two games above .500, Joe Flacco is firmly entrenched as the Ravens starting quarterback at this point. That added comfort should allow for him to let it rip against his oldest enemy and hopefully bring home yet another W after an incredibly slow start to the season.