Three reasons Steelers will upset Ravens in Week 5

The Steelers are home underdogs in their Week 5 matchup against their AFC North rival Ravens. Here are three reasons why Pittsburgh will upset Baltimore on Sunday.

History tells the tale

Ravens vs. Steelers is one of the best rivalries in football as games between these two teams are always close. The last six matchups between these two teams have been decided by five or fewer points. However, Pittsburgh has won five of the last six meetings, and there's good reason why. 

The Steelers have dominated Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who is 1-2 against them. Pittsburgh is the only team that Jackson has thrown more interceptions (6) than touchdown passes (4) against in his career, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Head coach Mike Tomlin always has his team ready for Baltimore and that will remain true even with a struggling Steelers team.

Watt dominance

Pittsburgh's defense has consistently had an answer for the 2019 NFL MVP, sacking Jackson 16 times in his career. LB T.J. Watt is likely hungry for more after having just two tackles and one quarterback hit in the Steelers Week 4 loss to the Texans. 

Watt started his case for his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award strong, becoming the first player in NFL history to record six sacks and have a defensive touchdown in a team's first three games of a season. The 2021 DPOY will look to get back on track as he has 12 sacks and four forced fumbles in 12 games against Baltimore.

Home sweet home?

Steelers fans will be ready to go on Sunday whether the team is or not. They have not been shy in sharing their feelings this year, echoing "Fire [Matt] Canada" chants throughout the stadium the last time Pittsburgh was home.

The Steelers offense ranks as the fourth-worst team in total yards per game (263) and points per game (15.5) through the first four weeks. If they continue to struggle, fans will let the "boo birds" fly once again. However, if Pittsburgh gives its fans a reason to cheer, they can be a real difference maker in an important divisional matchup.