Jaguars vs. Steelers: Week 8 Staff Predictions

The Jacksonville Jaguars will look to extend their winning streak to five games this Sunday, taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a pivotal pre-bye week contest as they look to improve their 5-2 record.

So how does the Jaguar Report staff see Week 8? We break it down below.

John Shipley

Prediction: The Jaguars' defense simply seems like one that should have all of the right answers for the Steelers. They should be able to make the Steelers one-dimensional, in part due to their own strong run defense and early-down defensive unit and in part due to the Steelers being ineffective running the ball and in general at moving the ball on first and second down. I think the Jaguars are going to force Kenny Pickett to throw close to 40 times, which isn't a recipe for success with the second-year quarterback right now.

As for the Jaguars' offense, it wouldn't surprise me if they have another so-so day simply because I think that the absence of Zay Jones is playing a massive role in the passing game's limited ceiling right now. Defenses can dictate the coverage toward Calvin Ridley due to a lack of a threat on the other side of the field. Combine this with Trevor Lawrence's injury and the Jaguars' offensive line and it seems likely they play small-ball again this week. As long as they don't turn the ball over, that should give them a path to winning. They haven't been great at that, though, so I don't expect a giant day offensively.

Jaguars 20, Steelers 16.

Daniel Griffis

Prediction: The Jaguars are on the precipice of their best 8-game start since 1999, and who better to beat in order to reach that high than their former AFC Central rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, led by Mike Tomlin, are 4-2 despite struggles on both sides of the ball, a testament to Tomlin’s ability to squeeze every ounce of talent out of his roster. While it may seem like this roster is certainly beatable, they continue to win regardless. The Jaguars defense is as good as it gets and the offense is still finding its stride. Pittsburgh is tough as nails, but I think the Jaguars are going to put the hammer down on them.

Jaguars 30, Steelers 20.

Zach Schultz

Prediction: The Jaguars head into Pittsburgh this week looking to extend their win streak to five. Somehow the Steelers have a winning record despite being out gained yardage wise in all of their games this year. That is entirely unsustainable and the Jaguars are a good football team. You may be able to pull one over like that on an average team but these Jaguars have proven they belong with the top dogs.

The biggest matchup for me is how they handle T.J. Watt. He can wreck the game by himself and we already saw Chris Jones takeover the game in week two. Anton Harrison has improved since then and I also doubt he gets left alone to handle Watt which will help immensely. I think they do what they can against him and continue to get the ball out of Lawrence’s hand quickly. It worked great last week against the Saints so look for that to continue with the knee injury lingering for Trevor as well.

To be honest, I think the Steelers on offense pose “little” threat with Kenny Pickett at the helm. The Jaguars should lock down their run game putting Pickett into situations where he has to be relied on. They will continue to feast on lesser quarterback and Pickett is no exception. Steelers are going to need some hope.

Jaguars 21, Steelers 17.

Kyle Nash

Prediction: For all the criticism of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense by way of offensive coordinator Matt Canada or quarterback Kenny Pickett, the Jacksonville Jaguars must work to get to the bye finishing strong or else it’ll be a disappointment that rivals the Houston loss at Everbank in Week 3. That’s not to say that the Jags’ haven’t worked hard in 2023. They have one of the best starts in franchise history and did it winning four games in three time zones in 19 days.

Also, for all the props that Steeler head coach Mike Tomlin and their T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick-led defense deserve, will they be able to account for all the different weapons that Jacksonville has even without Zay Jones? Walker Little is looking like he will return to the line up just in time to protect Trevor Lawrence under center to assure he can distribute the ball to convert more than two 3rd downs in this week’s game. The Duval Devout will celebrate win number six with the season at the midpoint.

Jaguars 21, Steelers 17.

Evan Reier

Prediction: This game feels destined for a field goal bonanza. Steelers pass rush and defense will cause problems at various points through the game, and I anticipate that happening when their backs are against the wall. Meanwhile, I think Pittsburgh will be too conservative and Pickett will be unable to hit the big plays outside of a few Pickens catches.

Difference will be that the Jaguars' run game ought to eat. Steelers are 27th in the NFL in yards per rush, and Etienne is looking his best. Pittsburgh has players that can break a game open (ahem, TJ Watt) but the Jaguars just matchup too well with the Steelers.

Jaguars 20, Steelers 16.

Ryan Michael

Prediction: With a hopefully healthier Trevor Lawrence, I like the Jaguars chances better this week than I did heading in to last week. The Steelers 4-2 record is impressive, but they rank 27th in points scored and 17th in points surrendered. It will be a big week for Calvin Ridley, who outside of Week 1 (eight receptions for 101 yards, one touchdown) and Week 5 (seven receptions for 122 yards) has averaged only 2.4 receptions for 29 yards and 0.2 touchdowns per-game over the other five. This may be a make or break game for him. The Steelers have only allowed 13.5 PPG over the last two weeks, so Lawrence, Ridley and ETN will be tested early. They’ll overcome it. Jags exit Pittsburgh with a hard-fought W.

Jaguars 24, Steelers 21.