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Baltimore Ravens |
Saturday, January 3, 2015 - 6:15 PM MDT |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
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AVG. YDS (RNK) |
TEAM CATEGORY |
AVG. YDS (RNK) |
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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