Ravens (8-3) at Steelers (5-5-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: by 31⁄2
Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore has to be consistent with running the football against a poor Pittsburgh run defense. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is one of the best athletes in the league, and his presence alone will create mismatches all over the field. As far as the Ravens’ defense, it’s all about getting to QB Ben Roethlisberger and forcing him to make mistakes. Roethlisberger, who had two interceptions in a 41-10 loss to the Bengals in Week 12, will turn the football over when pressured.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh needs to figure out what has gone wrong on both sides of the football. The offense has become anemic and predictable with no punch or explosion from any skill players. If the Steelers want to keep up with Baltimore, getting the run game going and keeping the Baltimore offense off the field are key, as are minimizing turnovers and being more efficient along the offensive line. Finding out how to stop the Ravens’ rushing attack is paramount.
Matchup to watch: Ravens’ defensive line vs. Steelers’ offensive line. Baltimore’s defensive line is big and athletic, and it is going to present the latest major challenge for a young line that has been grossly inconsistent all season.
Who wins? Pittsburgh’s season has spiraled out of control, and the Ravens are eyeing a division title. The Steelers can’t fix their problems on the defensive or offensive lines during the season, so instead they just have to tread water and try to stay healthy. This game is the Ravens’ to lose.
Ravens, 35-17
Ravens