Here’s your game-day warm-up:
The Steelers and the Ravens are among the unanimous selections in the Week 2 picks by ESPN’s experts.
Pittsburgh is playing in its home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, which is 1-10 in games played in the Eastern time zone since 2007. The Seahawks have lost by an average of 15.4 points.
Baltimore is looking to improve its 18-1 mark against losing teams under coach John Harbaugh when it plays at Tennessee.
Here are some pregame notes for the AFC North teams …
- BROWNS: They’re hoping to get off to a good start, or at least a smoother one than their trip. The Browns’ trip to Indianapolis was delayed almost four hours after their plane got stuck in the mud.
- BENGALS: Even though Denver cornerback Champ Bailey could be sidelined or limited today, Cincinnati is expected to attack the Broncos on the ground. The Bengals are 11-2 when running back Cedric Benson runs for 100 yards.
- RAVENS: The Ravens’ offensive line, which was banged up in the preseason, will undergo another change. Left guard Ben Grubbs, who is doubtful with a toe injury, is expected to be replaced by Andre Gurode, a five-time Pro Bowl center.
- STEELERS: It will be interesting to see if cornerback Bryant McFadden will be able to start. He is questionable with a hamstring injury. The Steelers split reps in practice between backups Keenan Lewis and William Gay.
