| 6 | Sun, Oct 17 | @ New England | 1:00 PM ET |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 24 | Buffalo | 1:00 PM ET |
| 8 | Bye |
The next three weeks look like this for the Steelers:
| 6 | Oct 17 | CLE @ PIT |
| 7 | Oct 24 | PIT @ MIA |
| 8 | Oct 31 | PIT @ NO |
At 4-1 and with a head to head advantage, the Ravens control the division. The game at NE will be tough. I'm not so sure that the Ravens will win in Foxboro. I think the Pats will have a plan to take advantage of the Ravens through the air, and will make this game very close. Look for the Pats to spread the field and make the Ravens chase inside out.
The game against Buffalo should be an easy win for the Ravens...unless they overlook them. That's probably not going to happen.
I look for the Ravens to enter the bye at 5-2.
The Steelers have two tough road games against Miami and New Orleans. These looked worse at the start of the year, but Miami plays good defense and New Orleans' offense can catch fire quickly. If they enter the two away games at 4-1, then they stand a good chance to enter week at 5-2...potentially 6-1 if things go right.
Cleveland
I was at that last game in Cleveland - the -10F - game (OK...I exaggerate...but it was COLD). I had to listen to Browns fans act like tools. Some idiot behind me kept screaming "Da Raidahhhs". He was a typical Cleveland fan. I know the Steelers remember that game...I just hope Arians' is not as brain dead.
The Browns Offense
With McCoy starting, I anticipate a very conservative game plan from the Browns. I think McCoy will throw 10-15 times maximum to limit turnovers. The big challenge will be Cribbs running the Wildcat. The Steelers did not stop this scheme in the December loss, and they will see it until they stop it.
Look for McCoy's throws to be very safe. Screens, short ins, slants and the like. I think most of the throws past the line of scrimmage will be inside the hash marks. A deep out will not be the staple of this offense this week. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers CBs play the inside technique, and if we see dropping DEs to counter the inside throws. The Browns will try to run Hillis, but he's banged up and running on the Steelers out of a normal formation is so hard.
With Cribbs running the Wildcat, and with McCoy on the sideline, the Browns pick up an extra blocker. This is going to be the difference in the game. If the Steelers can't stop the Wildcat, it will be a long day. I'll give the Browns this - they play very physically. This will be a physical game, and the Steelers D must rise up and stop Cribbs and Co.
Look for three scores for less than 14 points.
Browns Defense
With Ben back, this offense will be on the grow. However, I don't anticipate mid-season form from Ben and Co. It will be better than Batch or Dixon, but it won't be lights out efficiency. The Browns D ranks 21st in the league.
Mendy and the run game should be productive, especially as the passing threat is now back. I look for some 1st down throws and a pass dominant first drive. After the pass is established, a good 55/45 mix of run and pass should develop.
The Browns secondary is over-matched by the Steeler receiver corps: Ward, Wallace, Mendy, ARE and Miller. With Sanders getting a ST hat, he'll get some good time at the 4WR position. Hopefully, he'll make some good plays. What the Steelers really need to focus on is pass protection. The December Defeat was scarred by 8 sacks. Unacceptable. The OL must be smart. The OC must put the team in position to have success. The Browns can't stop the Steelers if the Steelers call a smart game, but the Browns can take advantage of mistakes and make the Steelers pay if they aren't smart.
Look for 4 scores for more than 17 points.
20-9 Steelers and a satisfying 4-1.
Steelhead
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