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NFL Experts don’t give the Steelers much of a chance vs. Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, and it is time to take a look at what the people who deem themselves “experts” think about this AFC North matchup.

There are two types of experts, as it pertains to NFL picks. The experts who just pick games, and those who put more thought, and explanation, into their picks. In this article we’ll focus on the latter of these two types of experts.

Let’s get to the picks…

As you can imagine, there aren’t many experts who are in favor of the Steelers in Week 5. And those at the NFL Network would fall into that category. Here is why they all are unanimous on the Ravens to win in Week 5.

“Why Brooke is taking the Ravens: It’s a good sign for the Steelers that Kenny Pickett says his knee injury won’t keep him sidelined for this weekend’s divisional tilt. Even with Pickett, though, the offense has yet to be the well-oiled machine we saw in the preseason, recording less than 300 total yards in three of four games. Baltimore, meanwhile, welcomed Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr. and Marlon Humphrey back to practice this week. If the WR duo joins Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews on Sunday, Lamar Jackson — who has a 124.1 passer rating in two games against division opponents this season — could eviscerate a Pittsburgh defense that’s allowing the third-most yards in 2023. Give me the Ravens, who, with this win, would become the first team since the 2019 Chiefs to play each of their first three divisional games on the road and win all three.”

It’s a similar story with the people at the Sporting News and their support of Baltimore.

“For the third time in four weeks, the Ravens are squaring off with an AFC North opponent. Baltimore beat the Bengals on the road and trounced the Browns in Week 4, with a stunning loss to the Colts in Baltimore in the middle. The Steelers have some serious offensive issues, even with Kenny Pickett healthy, and with that in question, the model is thinking the Ravens pick up a big win in Pittsburgh. BetMGM has the game much closer (-3.5, Ravens), as Pittsburgh tends to be a tough team to beat at home.”

Win probability: 67.9%, Ravens

The folks at the Pro Football Network also fall in line with other networks’ predictions, and them feeling as if the Steelers don’t stand a chance in Week 5.

“I need to see some drastic improvement across the board from this Steelers team before I consider taking them. I thought the defense — led by T.J. Watt — would at least be decent this season. However, they looked soft last week against the Texans.

“Now, Pittsburgh faces its arch-rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, who may not have many weapons but sure do know how to use the ones they have.

“The Ravens did not allow a touchdown from Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns last week, a team stacked with offensive weapons.

“Now, Baltimore takes on an anemic Steelers offense that really has no true threat. These games are always close, so this pick scares me, but I think it’s the Ravens’ year to win the AFC North. It started last week beating the Browns and continues this week with a convincing win over the Steelers.”

NFL Pick and Prediction: Ravens ML (-188)

But not all experts are anti-Steelers. In fact, there was one brave enough to take the Steelers this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. That would be none other than Pete Prisco of CBS Sports.

“It’s consecutive road games for the Ravens, but they played well at Cleveland. They faced a backup quarterback, and might do so here. Lamar Jackson and the offense seem to be getting it going in Todd Monken’s system. But something says the Steelers regroup in this one, no matter who plays quarterback for them.”

Pick: Steelers 20, Ravens 17

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How do you see this game playing out? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the home game vs. the Ravens in Week 5.

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