Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens: NFL Week 16 Pick
By Erik Lambert
Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) gets tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith (51) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries have put a damper on what was expected to be a critical divisional rivalry game late in the 2016 season. Even so, the Baltimore Ravens have a chance to really ruin the post-Christmas euphoria for the Pittsburgh Steelers if they can pull off the upset.
Backdrop:
This rivalry may qualify as the best of the past decade. It always seems like the Steelers and Ravens are playing games that are physical, tight and important. Even as Baltimore has suffered through an uncanny rash of injuries and narrow losses, the team forges ahead in hopes of finishing strong. What better way to do so than ruining the season for their hated enemy?
The Steelers have everything to lose in this game. They hold bitterly to the last wild card spot in the AFC with the New York Jets breathing down their necks. A single defeat could end their playoff dreams. On paper they hold the advantage, but it’s the Ravens and crazy stuff happens when they’re on the schedule.
Matchup To Watch:
CB Jimmy Smith vs. WR Antonio Brown
Beating the Steelers has basically come down to the question of whether an opponent can slow down star receiver Antonio Brown. He’s on his way to another Pro Bowl and may be the best in the business. Baltimore must try to if not stop him then at least make sure he doesn’t go off with a huge game. Top cornerback Jimmy Smith will draw that heavy task. It hasn’t been an easy year for him but he’s played better of late. That and hope will have to be enough.
Key Stat:
This game comes down to which will impact the game more: the Steelers passing attack or their pass defense. Pittsburgh is 5th in the NFL when throwing the football, averaging 289 yards per game but they’re also 31st against teams that do it, allowing 279 per game. This is why they seem to find themselves in constant shootouts every week. If they let a backup quarterback do that to them and can’t respond on the road, it’s a classic case for an upset.
Prediction: Steelers win 28-17
If Joe Flacco were playing this score would be much closer, but since it’s Ryan Mallett under center for the Ravens it’s hard to believe he can match Ben Roethlisberger score for score. That is why the Steelers will maintain their grip on the wild card spot with a win.