NFL Week 4: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

Joe Meadows via Flickr

NFL

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

Week 4 of the NFL season brings to us one of the most storied rivalries in the league’s history. The Baltimore Ravens (2-1) are heading to Heinz field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1). The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the all-time series 27-21.

Pittsburgh had a tough task in a Week 3 primetime matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although it wasn’t a perfect showcase, Ben Roethlisberger had his best game of the season by far. The savvy veteran put together a 120.7 passer rating in a much-needed victory.

The Baltimore Ravens had a tough task in taking on an undefeated Denver Broncos team. While Denver came out strong in the 1st quarter, Baltimore shut out the red-hot Broncos for the final three quarters, securing a 27-14 victory.

So who has the edge as these division foes faceoff on primetime? TSJ breaks down everything you need to know for this high-stakes matchup. Pittsburgh is favored by three points.

Red Zone Offense

One of the more interesting wrinkles going into this matchup is that both the Pittsburgh Steelers offense and the Baltimore Ravens offense have a top three red zone offense. Getting in the end zone once inside the 20 is a huge priority for both of these offenses. Being that this is a rivalry matchup, that makes these opportunities that much more important.

While Pittsburgh is an offensive juggernaut, ranking 2nd in the league in total yards per game, Baltimore made history with their red zone success, converting 13-13 red zone opportunities for touchdowns. Chances are, the team that dominates inside the 20 will have the edge in this one.

Ravens Offense vs. Steelers Defense

The potency of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is obvious. However, how will the Pittsburgh defense fare against the new and improved Ravens offense? While this Steelers team did cause four turnovers against a red-hot Tampa Bay offense, they still gave up over 450 total yards.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has felt increasingly comfortable with his new pass-catchers—especially former Arizona Cardinal John Brown (more later in fantasy implications). The Steelers’ issues have typically come from the back-end. The Pittsburgh defensive line will need to make Flacco uncomfortable in the pocket if this defense looks to shut this Ravens offense down.

Also important to note, the last time these teams faced off, tailback Alex Collins had 166 total yards and a touchdown. While Collins’ 2018 season has been tough-sledding thus far, the former Razorback is still looking for his first breakout game off the season.

Fantasy Implications

JuJu Smith-Schuster put together a top-notch performance against Tampa Bay, putting up over 20 points in PPR leagues. Tight end Vance McDonald also had a huge week, with 15+ and 20+ point performances in standard and PPR leagues respectively.

Ravens wideout John Brown has quickly become Joe Flacco’s favorite target. With no game under 13 fantasy points this season (PPR), Baltimore looks to get Brown involved early in a huge matchup.

With the Steelers giving up 400+ passing yards last week, QB Joe Flacco is a high-risk, high-reward play for Week 4. As tailback Alex Collins looks for his first breakout game of the year, he is a low-floor, high-ceiling flex play.

Photo Credit

Featured Image courtesy of Joe Meadows

 

Subscribe to get the latest news from TSJ at the TSJ 101 Sports TV YouTube channel!

Play And Win Weekly at ThriveFantasy!