MIKE PRESTON’S KEY MATCHUPS
Steelers WR Antonio Brown vs. Ravens CBs Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Carr: Brown has 24 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and there are some who say he has gotten off to a slow start. The Ravens have to be aware of where he lines up at all times. If he lines up against Carr, look for the Ravens to rotate toward that matchup. If Brown goes against Humphrey, they won’t be as concerned. Either way, Carr and Humphrey will have trouble. Brown is a nightmare. Steelers’ right side of OL vs. Ravens OLBs Matthew Judon, Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs: Pittsburgh’s right side has been hit hard by injuries, but they are expected to have tackle Marcus Gilbert and guard David DeCastro back in the lineup. If not, B.J. Finney and Matt Feiler will take over. If Gilbert and DeCastro start, there could be some rust, which would be a major advantage for the Ravens. Judon does a good job of holding the edge, while Smith has been the Ravens’ most persistent rusher. Steelers CBs Joe Haden, Artie Burns and Mike Hilton vs. Ravens WRs Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead IV and John Brown: The Steelers are terrible in the secondary, ranked No. 28 in pass defense for allowing 288 passing yards per game. Opposing teams have a habit of finding Burns. Haden came back from injury last week, but he is far from being the player he was during his younger days in Cleveland. Quarterback Joe Flacco has done a good job of spreading the ball around.