2 of 8

Steelers Pass Offense vs Ravens Pass Defense

Ravens-Steelers
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

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

3 of 8

Steelers Run Offense vs Ravens Run Defense

Ravens-Steelers
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

This one is pretty much a no-brainer. Baltimore is tied for seventh in the league in run defense (98.2 yards per game), and Pittsburgh’s running game averages a miniscule 61.0 ypg (31st in the league).

Advantage: Ravens

4 of 8

Ravens Pass Offense vs Steelers Pass Defense

Ravens-Steelers
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

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

5 of 8

Ravens Run Offense vs Steelers Run Defense

Ravens-Steelers
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

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

6 of 8

Special Teams

Ravens-Steelers
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

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

7 of 8

Coaching

Ravens-Steelers
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

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

8 of 8

Prediction

Ravens-Steelers
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

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

Baltimore Ravens Posts

Derek E. Hingle - USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens Trim the Fat with Bryant McKinnie Trade
Courtesy: Jason Bridge - USA TODAY Sports
Where Is The Heart For Baltimore Ravens?
Bryant McKinnie
No Surprise Baltimore Ravens Traded LT Bryant McKinnie To Miami Dolphins
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Hiring of Juan Castillo was a Horrible Move for Baltimore Ravens

Posts

Raiders
Oakland Raiders Ready To Face An Old Foe In Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers-Lawrence Timmons vs Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Things We Learned from Week 7
Mike Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers Are Not Done Yet
Pittsburgh Steelers-Le'Veon Bell vs Ravens2
Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 7 Report Card

Posts

Aaron Rodgers- Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
5 Things We Learned From the NFL In Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers-Lawrence Timmons vs Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Things We Learned from Week 7
Cover - Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
5 Players Washington Redskins Should Trade Away
NFL Logo
5 NFL Teams That Will Definitely Lose In Week 8

Around the Web

ZergNet

From Our Partners