Updated Standings:
- Cleveland Browns 3-1
- Baltimore Ravens 3-1
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2-2
- Cincinnati Bengals 2-2
Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchup: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00pm EST
The Steelers dropped to 2-2 last week with a three-point loss in Cleveland on Thursday. They’ve alternated wins and losses through four games, which is telling of some of their inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. They will look to bounce back with a home matchup against the Colts this Sunday, where they’re favored to win by just over one point. The Colts played in London last week and the Steelers have had a few extra days of rest,
giving them a significant advantage.
Pittsburgh’s offense has been more productive over the last two games, scoring a combined 54 points with over 40 first downs. Aaron Rodgers threw for a season-high 299 passing yards with three touchdowns against the Browns, but it was in a losing effort. Rodgers attempted 40 passes, which was more than double the amount of rushing attempts the Steelers had as a team (19). They likely want more run-pass balance moving forward, especially against a vulnerable Colts’ defense. The Colts rank in the back-third of defenses in both rushing and passing yards allowed, so the matchup sets up nicely for the Steelers to move the ball.
Defensively, the biggest key for Pittsburgh will be slowing down Jonathan Taylor. The Steelers are ceding 112.8 rushing yards per game so far and rank better against the pass. Taylor is the engine of the Colts’ offense and in the midst of another strong season with 353 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Daniel Jones is prone to turnovers when pressured, so expect the Steelers’ defense to seek disruption in the backfield.
Cleveland Browns
Matchup: @ New York Jets, 1:00pm EST
The Browns continue to be one of the league’s biggest surprises having won three straight games, all by five points or less. Their primetime victory over the Steelers last Thursday night was a convincing win in which they held a double-digit lead and then closed out the fourth quarter with a game-winning field goal. They’re 2-0 at home and 1-1 on the road, where they’ll be this Sunday taking on the New York Jets.
Like the Browns, the Jets were projected to be an AFC bottom-dweller again this season, but have been surprisingly competitive through four games despite only being 1-3. Their defense ranks near Top 10 in points allowed and passing yards allowed. They are less stingy against the run, ceding over 123 rushing yards per game, so the Browns will likely look to attack them on the ground. That has been a struggle for their offense thus far. Quinshon Judkins is averaging only 3.0 yards per carry with 177 rushing yards through four games, so this could be a potential breakthrough spot for him.
On defense, the Browns match up well with the Jets but will be missing stalwart defensive lineman Mason Graham and Mike Hall. That may challenge them along the front seven against a capable Jets’ offensive line. The Jets are without starting running back Breece Hall but Geno Smith is not afraid to air the ball out downfield. Denzel Ward versus star wideout Garrett Wilson will be a deciding matchup in this game.
Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup: @ Miami Dolphins, 1:00pm EST
The Bengals have lost two consecutive games after starting the season 2-0. Losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars as they did in Week 4, one of the better AFC teams, is nothing to scoff at. However, the Bengals had ample opportunities to win the game and came up short despite the Jaguars committing well over 10 penalties. The Bengals are still seeking to find more consistency on both sides of the ball.
This week profiles as a good get-right spot for Cincinnati against a winless Miami Dolphins team. The Bengals will likely be without their starting wide receiver duo, as both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins suffered injuries last week. That will force backups Dohnte Meyers and Mitchell Tinsley into feature roles. Look for the Bengals to try to get Chase Brown going on the ground again and tight end Mike Gesicki will likely be a leading target for Joe Burrow through the air.
Miami’s offense is limited, but they can unlock some explosive plays if quarterback Malik Willis is able to use his mobility or run the ball on designed plays. Keeping Willis in the pocket and contained in the ground game will be a defensive key for the Bengals.
Baltimore Ravens
Matchup: @ Atlanta Falcons, 8:20pm EST (Sunday Night Football)
The Ravens are set to travel to Atlanta for their first primetime game of the season this Sunday night. They will be taking on a red-hot Falcons team without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is sidelined after suffering an ankle injury last week. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (finger) is also not playing for a second straight week. The Ravens improved to 3-1 with a win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, but it was a tale of two halves. They were outscored 11-0 in the second half after Jackson exited, but managed to hang on for a 24-18 win.
With Tyler Huntley under center, there’s no question the Ravens’ offense becomes less potent. Huntley has proven he can win as a spot-starter in relief over the past several years and is dangerous as a runner. The Ravens will likely try to use Huntley’s legs in conjunction with featuring Derrick Henry on the ground. If Huntley can deliver the ball to Zay Flowers accurately, who has been almost uncoverable so far this season, the Ravens may be able to score enough points to win.
Defensively, the Ravens will be tested tremendously against Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s elite rushing attack. Since Michael Penix took over as the team’s starting quarterback two weeks ago, the Falcons have won two straight games in blowout fashion. The Ravens will need to disciplined against Robinson in open-field tackling, which has been an area of struggle for them at times so far this year.
