Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is averaging close to 300 passing yards per game, despite being sacked 19 times so far this year. Last week, Roethlisberger was under pressure and was sacked four times, but managed to lead his team to victory. Unfortunately, Big Ben will have to rely on his shaky offensive line to keep two of the league’s best pass rushers at bay in outside linebackers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil.
Advantage: Ravens
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is seventh in the league in passing yards, and his favorite target, wide receiver Torrey Smith, has the fourth most receiving yards in the NFL with 568. However, the Steelers’ fourth-ranked pass defense, and the coverage of cornerback Ike Taylor on Smith should bring things to a halt.
Advantage: Steelers
Just like the ground attack of the Steelers, not much excitement is expected from the running game of the Ravens. Averaging only 72.7 ypg, Baltimore hasn’t wowed many of their fans. However, the duo of running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce, along with the league’s best fullback Vonte Leach leading the way, should be good enough to slice through a Pittsburgh run defense that’s allowing an average of 114.8 ypg.
Advantage: Ravens
The difference in this phase of the game is the ability to make big plays. Pittsburgh has yet to make a splash on special teams. The only bright spot is kicker Shaun Suisham being perfect on the year in field goals. Baltimore already has made fireworks in the return game this season with Tandon Doss’ punt return for a touchdown.
Advantage: Ravens
As mentioned before, last season, both meetings between these two teams came down to the very end. This is still considered one of the best rivalries in the NFL today, and both John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin are very familiar of what each opposing team is capable of.
Advantage: Draw
I won’t be surprised to see this game ending by another three-point margin. Both defenses will keep their team within striking distance, but Baltimore’s pass rush against the Steelers’ vulnerable offensive front will flourish, and the Ravens’ running game will find a way to manage the clock late in the game against Pittsburgh’s soft run defense.
Prediction: Ravens 16, Steelers 13
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