5 bold predictions for the Steelers against the Raiders

2. The Steelers will have multiple takeaways

If you go back and watch the Raiders Week 1 game against Baltimore, the Ravens were almost exclusively playing man coverage and sending at least four pass rushers at Derek Carr.

The Raiders marched down the field in the final minute of the fourth quarter because the Ravens were in zone, which they aren’t particularly good at.

The Steelers on the other hand, are very good at running zone defense. It is a night and day difference between the amount of times Baltimore showed zone compared to how much the Steelers play zone.

Not only is Pittsburgh good at playing that type of defense, but they will send four or five guys at Derek Carr without thinking twice.

T.J. Watt, Melvin Ingram, and Cam Heyward bullied a good Bills offensive line in Week 1. The Raiders front five struggled against Baltimore, specifically rookie Alex Leatherwood. This type of pressure will lead to Carr getting antsy and making mistakes.

Watch out for Minkah Fitzpatrick this Sunday, as well as Watt and co. who are coming off a masterful performance against Josh Allen and the Bills. Going up against a questionable offensive line in their home opener is a recipe for a successful day at the office for Keith Butler’s defense.