Morning Steelers Buzz: Due to QB play, taking Pittsburgh over Baltimore any day of the week

*The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens both have 2 losses going into week 8 and the Ravens don’t look so dominant, now do they.

Baltimore put up a woeful offensive effort Monday night vs Jacksonville and Joe Flacco remains a big reason why even with the Steelers still being a hard read, I’m taking Pittsburgh in a one game matchup any day of the week.

Getting to 5-2, Pittsburgh has beaten every team they should (hasn’t been pretty or promising) while Baltimore, 4-2, has lost to teams they shouldn’t have.

Still a win is a win in the NFL.

Baltimore’s wins have been far more impressive beating Pittsburgh, Houston and New York at home but the Ravens struggle on the road and their loss last night was big for the Steelers who host Baltimore in week 9.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore now have identical conference records of 3-2. Pittsburgh now has to take care of business at home next Sunday vs Baltimore on Nov. 6

Playpoff Picture as of today, according to NFL.com

1. New England Patriots (5-1)

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

3. San Diego Chargers (4-2)

4. Houston Texans (4-3)

5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

6. Buffalo Bills (4-2)

Patriots 8-0 following a bye, last eight years

The New England Patriots come into town Sunday with two full weeks to prepare for the Steelers, coming off their bye week. That could be scary news for the Steelers as New England has won 8 straight games following bye, and are 9-2 in the Bill Belichick era, following a bye.

Overall against the Steelers, Belichick and the Patriots have won six of eight meetings since 2001, including 2001 and 2004 AFC Championships games.

The Steelers in their recent three Super Bowl appearances in six years, have been able to dodge New England in the playoffs.

When Tom Brady is behind center this has been a lopsided rivalry. Following last seasons debacle, Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said what Brady did will never happen to his defense again. We will find out in five days.

Belichick feels the Steelers who rank first in defense, look as good as they ever have.

“They look good as usual, the AFC champion last year, a lot of the same players, same schemes,” Belichick said. “Big challenge, a lot to get ready for. They do a lot of things to make it tough on you. They’re well coached, they have a lot of talent in all three phases of the game.

“Both teams know each other well, so I don’t think there will be a ton of surprises here. It will come down to preparation, execution and decision-making on game day. Hopefully we can do a good job of that.”