Wild Card NFL Predictions: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
By Erik Lambert
Few rivalries are as good as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. What NFL predictions could come of their wild card meeting?
Subplots:
Home Field or injuries will tell tale for the Steelers
It really is a good news/bad news proposition for the Steelers as they begin the playoffs. The good news is they are at Heinz Field where they’ll have the crowd and the weather behind them. The bad news is their secondary is still banged up and so is one of their best players on offense in Le’Veon Bell. Without his threat on the ground, it could result in an unbalanced attack, allowing the Ravens to focus their attention on stopping Ben Roethlisberger. How Pittsburgh maximizes their advantage and hides their weakness will decide the outcome.
Key Matchups:
Jimmy Smith vs. Antonio Brown
This matchup really had a significant impact on both meetings during the regular season. During the first, Jimmy Smith was able to limited Antonio Brown to 90 yards on seven receptions and no touchdowns. In their rematch, Brown returned the favor by torching Smith for 144 yards and a touchdown. Their third tilt will be played with all the marbles on the line.
Justin Forsett vs. Steelers front seven
One of the great stories of 2014 has been the resurgence of running back Justin Forsett. Long forgotten as an able running back who never got a fair shot, he emerged out of nowhere to help the Ravens re-establish their identity on the ground. He’s also been a factor in both games against the Steelers. How he’s able to attack that Pittsburgh front seven, on the ground and through the air, will have a significant impact on the game.
Pick: BAL 24, PIT 21
Yes, the upset is being called here. The primary reason is the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t have Le’Veon Bell. That is very significant. Part of the reason Roethlisberger was so lethal in their last meeting was behind he had Bell in his back pocket to run the ball. Not this time. Expect the Ravens to shut down the run and tee off on Ben.