Steelers (7-8) at Ravens (10-5)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore TV: NBC
Tipico Sportsbook line: Ravens by 3 ⁄2
1
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh must be able to establish the ground game with RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren against one of the best run defenses in the NFL. Baltimore’s secondary also has plenty of playmakers such as CB Marlon Humphrey and S Marcus Williams, so Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett will have his hands full. On defense, Pittsburgh must stop a Ravens’ ground attack that features RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore must find consistency on offense.QB Lamar Jackson has been out since suffering a PCL sprain in the Week 13 victory over the Denver Broncos, and the Baltimore passing game has struggled mightily in his absence. Sticking to their offensive identity as a running team is the way to go, especially after Pittsburgh allowed 215 yards on the ground in a 16-14 win for the Ravens in Week 14. Defensively, Baltimore should look to make Pittsburgh a one-dimensional offense and force Pickett to throw the ball down the field early.
Matchup to watch: Steelers OLB T.J. Watt vs. Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley. Watt and Stanley are among the best at their positions, and each of their matchups is must-see TV. Whenever Watt and Stanley are lined up against each other, there will be high-quality play across the board.
Who wins? Matchups between Baltimore and Pittsburgh are always hard-fought and come down to the wire. The Ravens will be motivated in prime time and defeat the Steelers to complete the season sweep.
Ravens, 23-17