NFL analyst Bucky Brooks cast serious doubt on the Pittsburgh Steelers' chances to beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, a must-win for playoff hopes after their Week 17 loss to the Browns (as detailed previously). He emphasized Pittsburgh's weak receiving corps and suggested Baltimore replicate Cleveland's defensive blueprint.
Building on the Steelers' offensive woes exposed against the Browns—lacking a true passing threat without suspended DK Metcalf and with Calvin Austin III sidelined by hamstring—Bucky Brooks shared his bleak outlook on Monday's Move the Sticks podcast.
“There’s no one on their wide receiver corps that you have to double-team, tilt coverage to, or anything,” Brooks said. “Now, you can concentrate on the running game. You can squeeze the pocket of Aaron Rodgers, and they have no recourse.” He continued: “For this team to lose to Cleveland like that, if I’m Baltimore, I’m gonna replicate this. And Baltimore is a more dynamic offense. They are going uphill in this Week 18 matchup against Baltimore to win the division. I’ll be honest, I just don’t see how they can get it done.”
Compounding Pittsburgh's issues, tight end Darnell Washington broke his arm against Cleveland, likely out for Week 18. Their receivers—Scotty Miller, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Roman Wilson—lack intimidation factor, though Calvin Austin III may return. Boosts could come from Pat Freiermuth, Kenneth Gainwell, and Jaylen Warren.
While the Ravens' defense (27th in sacks at 28, led by Travis Jones' four) isn't as dominant as Cleveland's (No. 2, Myles Garrett's 22 sacks), Baltimore's offense led by Derrick Henry—who has historically fared well against Pittsburgh—remains a threat. Brooks' analysis underscores the uphill battle for the Steelers.
