Steelers vs. Ravens Preview: Prediction, Keys, and More

If you’re ready for a Steelers vs. Ravens preview for tonight’s showdown on NBC, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a full preview with predictions, stats, and keys to the game to get you prepared for potentially the most exciting game of Wild Card weekend.

Ravens Players to Watch 

Torrey Smith has to have a big game for the Ravens. He has a history of coming up clutch in big Ravens/Steelers matchups. If Joe Flacco can hit him deep and find a way to utilize him against a weak Pittsburgh secondary, coach John Harbaugh will be a very happy head coach by the end of the night.

Haloti Ngata will return this week after a four game suspension kept him away from the team during the biggest stretch of the year. Baltimore was able to squeak into the playoffs without him, but they certainly weren’t as effective on the defensive side of the ball against the run. If Ngata can have a big game in the middle, the Ravens chances of winning this one increase mightily.

With Dennis Pitta out, the Ravens have relied on Owen Daniels to be Flacco’s favorite safety net. If this game sticks with the theme of true AFC North football, Daniels has the potential to have a huge outing in one of the biggest moments of his career. He’s been paired with Gary Kubiak for years … This could be the time for a standout performance.

This wouldn’t be a full preview if we didn’t give the kicker some love. Justin Tucker is a true weapon, something Ravens fans have gotten to know quite well during his short time in Baltimore. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, this is a storyline to keep an eye on throughout the night.

Steelers Players to Watch 

We are not afraid to state the obvious in this one. Ben Roethlisberger is a top-five quarterback in this league and deserves to be touted as a major difference maker. His success against Baltimore is highly documented and quite frankly cherished among the Pittsburgh faithful. Look for him and Antonio Brown to attempt to shred the weak Ravens secondary early and often.

Like Daniels, Steelers tight end Heath Miller will look to play a major role in this divisional matchup. He’s gotten Roethlisberger out of many adverse situations in the past, and there’s no reason this game won’t provide a similar storyline.

On the defensive side of the ball, it’s DC Dick Lebeau that you’ll want to keep in mind as the game progresses. For years, he’s succeeded in stifling Baltimore in these type of games. Can he construct yet another impressive game plan tonight?

If it’s going to happen, expect a heavy dose of blitzes and A-gap pressure.

Weather Making the Difference? 

It’s an AFC North brawl — why not throw in a bit of wet weather?

Most forecasts list the chance of rain near 100% throughout the contest. With LeVeon Bell inactive for Pittsburgh, Justin Forsett and Kubiak’s scheme could see an edge once kickoff rolls around.

Trends to Note 

Roethlisberger has thrown just two interceptions in his last five meetings with Baltimore. He had just nine in 2014, third-lowest in his career.

Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham is 12/12 on field goal attempts since 2009 against Baltimore. He missed just one FG inside of 50 yards in 2014.

Flacco has completed over 65.0% of his passes in his last four meetings against Pittsburgh. He’s thrown just one interception in those games.

Since the start of 2013, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is 13/13 on field goal attempts against Pittsburgh.

Twitter Fan Predictions 

To close us out, here are a few fans that were willing to share their picks for tonight’s battle.