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AFC Wild Card: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - Live Blog

In one of the premier rivalries in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens look to get a quality road win to move on to face the New England Patriots next week. The Pittsburgh Steelers win and they will take on the Denver Broncos.
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Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens
Saturday, January 3, 2015 - 6:15 PM MDT
Pittsburgh Steelers

AVG. YDS (RNK)

TEAM CATEGORY

AVG. YDS (RNK)

13th Pass Off. 2nd
8th Rush Off. 16th
23rd Pass Def. 27th
4th Rush Def. 6th
10-6 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA 11-5
3rd AFC North Spread: Steelers by 4 1st AFC North

Around SB Nation: Game Preview Steelers O Film Room 5 Keys Polamalu Returns Ngata Returns

In the freezing rain tonight, we are likely going to see the team that runs the ball best wins. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be without Le'Veon Bell the task will be daunting to say the least. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have balance the Steelers will now lack. To me, this gives the edge to the road team.

This is a rivalry that I thoroughly enjoy, even though I do not really care for either team. You just have to respect good football and this rivalry over the last five seasons has been one worth watching two to three times a year. Even though I have the edge slightly in the Ravens favor, the Steelers could easily come into this game with a chip on their shoulders and take victory outright. Tonight is definitely must see TV.

For Ben Roethlisberger, he must bring his A-game and ride that #2 passing offense to some big time points. The Ravens defense has been stout all season long, but if there is a weakness on that side of the ball it has been the pass defense at times. Likewise for the Steelers defense, but they are getting healthier at the right time and Joe Flacco has been woefully inconsistent down the stretch.

Due to that fact, it will be imperative that the Ravens get Justin Forsett going against the 6th ranked rushing defense the Steelers boast. I really don't have an idea who will come out on top today, but due to the dynamic threat of Bell being removed I will give the slight edge over to the Ravens. Besides, I would love for the Denver Broncos to get a chance at a revenge game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Steelers 24.

What is your prediction, Broncos Country?

SB Nation blogs: Baltimore Beatdown and Behind the Steel Curtain