Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 Schedule: Early Game-by-game Predictions

Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders

Sep 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) recovers a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown (84) at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Kickoff Time: 4:05 PM Eastern

Network: CBS

I mentioned about playing down to the level of the competition and that’s exactly what we have seen the Steelers do against the Raiders in the past.

The Raiders have won a grand total of 19 games since 2006, but have managed to bet the Steelers 3-of-4 times in that span.

Carson Palmer won’t be there to carve up the Steelers secondary this season, as that job likely goes to newly acquired Matt Flynn, but he should have his success nonetheless.

This game will be closer than it should, but the Steelers won’t fall flat on their faces this year.

Prediction: Steelers 27-24 (5-2)