Preview of Steelers Week 16 match-up vs. Ravens
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sunday, December 25, 2016, 4:30 p.m. (ET)
Key Matchup
Ben Roethlisberger vs. the Ravens’ secondary. It’s true that Baltimore has an all-around good defense, which is ranked fifth in the NFL; and while its rushing defense is an impressive second in the NFL, the passing defense isn’t too shabby, either, ranking 10th in the league. Still, if I’m the Steelers, I’m not pounding my head against a brick wall the entire afternoon, similar to what happened when the two teams met in Baltimore on November 6. Pittsburgh pounded the rock 18 times that day to the tune of just 36 years, before Todd Haley decided to air things out in the fourth quarter. The problem with that strategy was the the Steelers were already down 21-0 in what became a 21-14 loss (the team’s third-straight at the time). While Pittsburgh may be somewhat limited in targets on Sunday–both tight end Ladarius Green and receiver Sammie Coates are in serious jeopardy of not playing–the home team’s best strategy on Sunday is to use its most valuable player to win the game.
The Steelers Win If…
If Pittsburgh’s very talented and capable offensive line can keep Roethlisberger safe from harm against the Ravens admittedly stout and talented defensive front, he may have a chance to do some damage with the passing game. Baltimore has lost four-straight games on the road in 2016. Sure, Heinz Field has become like a home away from home to the purple and black in recent seasons, what with the Ravens winning five games in Pittsburgh dating back to 2010, but Christmas Day seems like as good a one as any for the Steelers to make their visitors wish they never made the trip.
As for the defense, like most quarterbacks, Joe Flacco isn’t nearly as good away from home as he is at home. Also, he’s not exactly lighting up the scoreboard in 2016, passing for 19 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. Therefore, it would make sense to get after him with a solid pass rush and force him into some mistakes that could change the course of the game.
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The Steelers Lose If…
What always does the Steelers in against the Ravens? Mistakes. Whether it’s an ill-timed turnover, penalties, missed field goals or other special teams snafus, Pittsburgh always has a way of making costly mistakes against their AFC North rivals. The Ravens pass rush isn’t what it’s been in the past, but linebacker Terrell Suggs is still leading the way with eight of his team’s 30 sacks, and he’s always been a thorn in the side of Roethlisberger. All it may take is one or two missed assignments by the offensive line, and Pittsburgh could walk away from Sunday’s game with coal in its stocking.
On the defensive side of things, while Pittsburgh has been pretty stout against the run in recent weeks–including just 50 yards allowed in the first meeting vs. Baltimore–Keith Butler will be missing Cam Heyward, who is out for the year, and he may also be without the services of Stephon Tuitt, who suffered a sprained knee last week against the Bengals. The Ravens offensive line is super-talented, and if they start running the ball at will, they may never stop.
Fantasy Tip
What are the odds of receiver Antonio Brown having another quiet week, double-teams be-damned?
What’s At Stake
The easiest one so far: If the Steelers win, they’re AFC North champs. If they lose, they’ll be on the outside looking in at the playoffs, with only one week remaining.
Odds-makers
Line: Steelers -5
O/U: 44 1/2
Money Line: Steelers -230/Ravens +190
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