NFL Predictions Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers and 3 Teams That Will Keep Losing

This early in the season, even the NFL’s worst teams still have a slim chance to turn things around. Not everyone, however, will be able to take advantage of the opportunity.

This trio of teams will see their rocky starts get even rockier with another loss in Week 5:

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Tennessee)

In two meetings this season with defenses ranked in the top third of the league against the pass, the Steelers have totaled 17 points and lost both times. Tennessee, not only seventh against the pass but also eighth against the run, will give the Pittsburgh offense fits.

The struggling Steelers’ run defense may also give Chris Johnson a chance to right the ship after a wretched start. Even if he doesn’t, though, Matt Hasselbeck and the stout D should be enough to carry the Titans to their fourth consecutive win.

Indianapolis Colts (vs. Kansas City)

Both the Colts and the Chiefs made some moves in the right direction last week, especially in the passing game. Unfortunately for Indy, even a good game from Curtis Painter probably won’t be enough to win here.

Even after Jamaal Charles’ season-ending injury, Kansas City boasts a pair of respectable rushing threats in Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones. Against Indy’s 28th-ranked run defense, they’ll be able to control the tempo and hand K.C. its second straight victory.

Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Cincinnati)

The Bengals aren’t exactly a powerhouse themselves, but they have held opponents to the third-fewest passing yards in the league. That doesn’t bode well for rookie QB Blaine Gabbert and the Jacksonville offense (dead last in the league when it comes to throwing the ball).

With two defenses that are decidedly better than the corresponding offenses, this game could be as low-scoring as the Jaguars’ monsoon game against Carolina two weeks ago, and it’s likely to end just as badly for Jacksonville. It doesn’t help that if Cincy gets a lead, Cedric Benson will be able to grind out time while Gabbert is flailing against that Bengals pass defense.