Analyst "Thoroughly Convinced" Ravens Are Better Than Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gained a lot of support from around the league on being one of the best teams in the AFC. Although a lot give kudos to Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the defense, the offense has been getting a bit of credit too after Russell Wilson became the starting quarterback. Offensive weapons like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth dealt with mediocre quarterback play for a few seasons, but now that they have a veteran like Wilson, the offense has looked the best its been in a while. The unit is averaging 24.8 points per game, which ranks 10th in the NFL, compared to last year where the Steelers were 28th in that category with 17.9 points per game. Even with a 10-3 record and two games ahead in the AFC North, one NFL show host isn't buying into the Steelers hype.

FS1's Breakfast Ball co-host Danny Parkins released his NFL power rankings going into Week 15 of the season. The Steelers seem like an obvious top five choice with how they're playing, but Parkins thinks differently. Parkins ranked the Steelers sixth because he still believes the Baltimore Ravens are better than the Steelers. He showcased a graphic to try and prove his point.

Parkins put the Ravens at fifth, just ahead of the Steelers in his power ranking. The Steelers already proved they have the Ravens' number when they beat them 18-16 in Week 11. Baltimore was considered one of the top teams in the league going into its first matchup with Pittsburgh, but the Steelers quickly shut down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to win the game. Since then, the Steelers have gone 2-1 while the Ravens have gone 1-1 and are coming off a bye this week. Parkins went into detail about his choice even with the Steelers already beating the Ravens once.

"I think we’re going to see the best of the Ravens going forward," Parkins explained. "How could you possibly have the Baltimore Ravens over the Pittsburgh Steelers people are asking because they played this year, this is how. Listen, one game, anything can happen. I am thoroughly convinced Baltimore is better than Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh can absolutely do something to prove that if they beat Philadelphia this week, I do not expect that to happen. Baltimore’s best football is still in front of them."

The Steelers have probably the toughest stretch of the season coming up out of anyone in the NFL. They have to play three games in 11 days and all of those games are against tough opponents. They'll have two back-to-back road games against the Philadelphia Eagles and their rematch in Baltimore. Then, Pittsburgh will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas day.

It'll be an even tougher stretch without Pittsburgh's top offensive weapon Pickens. Pickens leads the team with 850 reception yards. He missed Week 14's game against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury and will most likely miss the Eagles game, maybe even the rematch against the Ravens. Wilson will need to connect with other wide receivers, like he did in Week 14 where he still found nine different players to throw to. Although the Ravens can be more flashy on offense, the Steelers have a more complete team which is what makes teams go far in the post season.

Steelers' Russell Wilson Has A Promising Record Against The Eagles

The Steelers don't have a pretty record playing in Philadelphia. The last time the Steelers beat the Eagles away was all the way back in 1965. Pittsburgh has lost 10 in a row in Philadelphia, so it will be a daunting task to end that streak, especially with Pickens out.

One record that brings some hope is Wilson's record against the Eagles. In his career, Wilson has a 5-0 record against the Eagles all while he was with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has averaged 238.4 yards against the Eagles and has thrown for eight touchdowns. Three of these games were in Philadelphia, so it's promising to see that Wilson has gotten it done in Philadelphia before and Steeler Nation will hope he can get it done for them in Week 15.

Do you agree with Parkins' comments about the Ravens being over the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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