For what seems a lifetime ago it’s only been two weeks since we beat the Eagles in a game that was closer than it needed it to be. We let the Eagles score twice late in the fourth quarter but stopped them on a two point try when it counted to end the game. But we will always take that ugly win.

The Ravens will have four thousand fans in the stands of M&T Bank Stadium this week against the Steelers. A lottery was held for those tickets and I “won” the right to buy two. So what does a red blooded American, football loving father do during a pandemic? He sends his two daughters to do his bidding for him. I hope they appreciate the sacrifice it is to give up tickets to Ravens / Steelers.

Ravens / Steelers is a true rivalry, with the Steelers holding the win loss edge 25-23. We have won the last two games but this is a new season and Roethisberger is healthy and playing better than he has in years. While the Ravens have not been playing their best football they are 5-1 with our only loss to the Chiefs in Baltimore. We can’t afford another home loss which would mean going two games behind the Steelers in the AFC North. If we want to repeat as AFC North Champions it will require beating the Steelers on Sunday.

Under John Harbaugh we are 10-2 coming off a bye week. I can’t remember having the luxury of having a bye week directly before playing the Steelers. I sure hope the coaches have come up with a good game plan.

Even though it was a bye week, Eric DeCosta was hard at work. Eric traded a couple of draft picks to Minnesota for pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, (it may take a week or two to learn how to correctly pronounce his name since I have heard it said several different ways) Eric also signed an extension with Ronnie Stanley, and signed Dez Bryant to the practice squad. Signing Dez may have been a surprise and could be a sign that our coaches don’t have confidence in our current cast of wide receivers.

Lamar and the Ravens offense will need to step up their game this week against a very good Steeler defense. Mark Ingram will most likely be out with an ankle sprain meaning Gus and JK Dobbins will be trying to crack open the NFL’s number one run defense. But let’s not put the full load on the running backs, the offensive line will need to play their best game not only in run blocking but to protect Lamar and give him time to throw down field to exploit the vulnerable Steelers secondary.

The Steelers defense may be number one in running yards allowed. On the other hand the Ravens are number one were it really counts-in points allowed. Adding Yannick Ngakoue to our defense will be huge but he may not be able to help much this week. Keep track of #91 for how many plays Yannick is in and if he can get to Roethlisberger.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember, save your money for extra trick or treat candy and don’t bet on my picks, they are not who we think will win but who we want to win to help the Ravens.

Thursday night 8:00

3-5 Panthers 27 over 2-6 Falcons 24
We were rooting for the Falcons to lose so they get a better draft pick to replace Matt Ryan.

Sunday 1:00

5-1 RAVENS over 6-0 Steelers
The bye week gave the coaches more time to scheme up game plans to beat the Steelers. With Ingram out, look for screen plays to Dobbins to take advantage of his speed around the edge and up field. Blitzburg is back, the Steelers have blitzed the QB the second most times in the NFL following the Ravens who have blitzed the most this season. Lamar will need to get rid of the ball quickly to avoid the Steelers pass rush. Mark Andrews will have a big day crossing the middle of the Steelers defense who lost their starting LB Devin Bush to a season ending knee injury. We need to mix things up on offense with a balance of run pass plays to control the ball and keep Roethlisberger off the field.

Getting to Roethlisberger has not been easy this season since he has converted from a down field thrower to a dink and dunk quick passer targeting receivers who can gain yards after the catch. Keeping the Steelers offense off the field is also not an easy task since they are ranked number one in time of possession. Our defense is up to the challenge. I say at least three Roethlisberger sacks.

GO RAVENS!!!

3-3 Raiders over 5-2 Browns
Rooting against the Browns.

1-5-1 Bengals over 5-1 Titans
Rooting for the Bengals to beat the Titans.

5-2 Rams over 3-3 Dolphins
NFC over AFC

0-7 Jets over 6-1 Chiefs
Any given Sunday!

5-1 Packers over 1-5 Vikings
It’s all about keeping the early draft picks in the NFC.

3-3 Lions over 4-2 Colts
We play the Colts next week. By the way, this was going to be our road trip game to see the Ravens in Indy. Thanks COVID.

2-4 Patriots over 5-2 Bills
And the Patriots thought they didn’t need Tom Brady any more.

Sunday 4:00

2-4 Broncos vs 2-4 Chargers
You pick’em

4-3 49ers vs 5-1 Seahawks
This is the game to watch after the Ravens beat the Steelers.

4-2 Saints vs 5-2 Bears
Both NFC teams you pick’em.

Sunday 8:00

2-4-1 Eagles vs 2-5 Cowboys
With a record of 2-4-1 the Eagles are in first place of the NFC East-what a powerhouse division.

Monday 8:00

5-2 Buccaneers over 1-6 Giants
Just trying to keep the early draft picks in the NFC.

Bye week Washington, Cardinals, Jaguars, Texans

Enjoy the games with a friendly ghost or goblin. Happy Halloween!

And that’s just The (virtual) View from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!