The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rough start to the 2014 NFL season, and media experts aren't letting them forget about it while picking this weekend's game against the 2-0 Carolina Panthers.
Steelers vs. Panthers picks and predictions 2014: Pittsburgh expected to drop to 1-2
The Steelers’ blowout loss in Baltimore has them out of favor with most experts.
Patrick Smith
The Steelers opened the year by blowing a 24-point halftime lead against the Cleveland Browns -- they managed to squeak by with a win on a last-second field goal -- then were hammered by 20 points in an ugly Thursday night showing against the Baltimore Ravens.
As a result, they're an underdog against the Panthers on Sunday night (OddsShark lists Pittsburgh as a 3.5-point favorite). Only three of ESPN's 14 experts are going with the Steelers, who turned the ball over three times against the Ravens last week. Six of Fox Sports' eight panelists are going with Carolina, as are seven of CBS Sports' nine experts. Though, four of those think the Steelers will cover the spread.
CBS senior columnist Peter Prisco is going against the grain by predicting a 20-17 Pittsburgh victory, and explains thusly:
The Steelers are playing consecutive road games, but they had 10 days between them, which helps. The Panthers have been dominant on defense so far, but I think the Steelers will get it going on offense. Ben Roethlisberger will make some plays outside the pocket to win it.
Here are the predictions from SB Nation’s own panel:
| Week 2 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford |
| PIT vs. CAR | PIT | CAR | CAR | CAR | CAR | PIT | CAR |
See More:
