Week 14 preview: Ravens vs Steelers

Just 4 weeks ago, the Ravens were dead in the water with fans and analysts alike saying the team needed to lose out for a top draft spot. Now, the Ravens are sitting at 7-5 with a legitimate chance to make the playoffs with a 6th seed. The Steelers have a commanding 10-2 record and are gearing up for a possible AFC Championship showdown rematch against the New England Patriots. This is one of the best rivalries in all of football and all Ravens and Steelers fans remember the immaculate extension in last year’s Christmas game. With this possibly being the last time Big Ben and Suggs playing against each other, so expect there to be a lot of emotion left on the field.

How The Steelers Win:

There are so many ways the Steelers can beat you and their names are Bell, Ben and Brown. The Ravens, since Brandon Williams’ return, have only allowed 1 100+ yard game since Oct. 22nd against the Vikings. However, Bell is a hybrid back that can line up as a wideout and make plays that way. The Ravens will be without Jimmy Smith for the rest of the season and that puts a bull’s eye on rookie Cornerback Marlon Humphrey who struggled against the Detroit Lions Receivers, so expect Big Ben to pick on him often. Defensively, it will be paramount for the Steelers to stop the Ravens rushing attack and force Flacco to beat them in what hasn’t been his best year as a Quarterback.

How The Ravens Win:

The Ravens offense finally held their own last week when their defense gave up 20 points in the second half but had enough big plays to stave of the pesky Detroit Lions. Alex Collins posted his first multiple touchdown game of the season and Flacco threw 269 yards and 2 touchdowns and was not sacked once. The loss of Ryan Shazier should be exploited by the Ravens rushing attack all game but trying to succeed against the number 4 ranked defense will be tall order for this offense. The edge for the Ravens is in takeaways this season; they will need to pressure Ben into making bad throws and get him on the ground often. With Suggs having another Pro Bowl year, he can’t wait for the chance to get his hands on Big Ben.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Ravens 21

Photo Credit: USA Today