Thursday Night Football: Ravens vs. Steelers Predictions
By Joe Wedra
In our first true edition of Thursday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will do battle in a game where we have a list full of predictions. Ravens vs. Steelers never disappoints, and you’ll be treated to a game full of excitement tomorrow night.
Let’s get to the good stuff! You’re here for predictions, and we have them!
Joe Flacco: 300 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
I’m a full believer that Flacco is still a great quarterback, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t go out tomorrow night and fire away against a Steeler defense that was full of holes in the second half against the Cleveland Browns. Comfort with his receivers will continue to grow, and the Ravens’ signal-caller will have a big night.
Ben Roethlisberger: 310 yards, 3 TD, INT
How can you root against a guy like Roethlisberger? His big-play potential is unreal, and he can put up the big numbers with the best of them. I don’t think the Ravens secondary will be able to keep up with guys like Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton, leaving me to believe the Steelers will have a hay-day against Baltimore.
The Baltimore rushing attack: 170 yards, TD
We can’t pinpoint who exactly will be carrying the ball for the Ravens, but whoever it is, they should have a decent game. The Steelers struggled to contain Terrence West and Isaiah Crowell in Week One. Justin Forsett and Bernard Pierce should be primed for a nice outing.
Le’Veon Bell: less than 60 yards rushing
I think the Ravens defense will stand tall at home, making it tough for Bell to get anything going. The Steelers should rely on the pass against a Baltimore secondary that is anything but sure. Bell won’t get too many touches and therefore won’t be able to churn out too much yardage tomorrow night.
RAVENS LEADING RECEIVER: Steve Smith should go off and have a big game. Expect him to get a few red-zone touches.
STEELERS LEADING RECEIVER: Heath Miller is a sleeper to watch here. Last year in the team’s Thursday night game against the Ravens, Miller reeled in eight passes for 86 yards.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Ravens – 34 Steelers – 27