The Baltimore Ravens are still alive in the playoff hunt. The Ravens fought off a valiant effort from the Philadelphia Eagles to get the 27-26 win on Sunday. Baltimore improves to 8-5, just a game back of the final AFC wild-card spot. However, they are now just 5-8 ATS after failing to cover as five-point favorites.
The normally sturdy Ravens run defense had an off-day, giving up 169 yards on 4.4 yards per carry with two touchdowns. However, the defense was able to shut down the Eagles through the air. Carson Wentz went just 22-of-42 for 170 yards and an interception.
Joe Flacco also had a rough night throwing the ball against a very good Philly defense. He went just 16-of-30, his lowest completion percentage in any game this season, for 206 yards. But he did just enough plays with his two touchdown passes to get the win.
Flacco and the Ravens offense could have another rough night against a Pittsburgh defense that’s playing very well of late. The Baltimore D should be fully up for this big game against its bitter division rivals, though. The Ravens limited the Steelers offense to just 277 yards in a 21-14 win back in Week 9.
Baltimore has won its last two games at Pittsburgh. The last time the Ravens have won three straight games on the road against the Steelers was back in 1999-2001.
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed some time to warm up against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers went down by as many as 14 points in the first half as the offense struggled to get going. They eventually figured stuff out in the second half, though, as they battled back for a 24-20 win. The Steelers are now 9-5 and can seal the AFC North title by beating the Ravens at home.
It obviously won’t be easy. The Steelers offense hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders. Ben Roethlisberger has just one touchdown pass in his last two games. Meanwhile, tight end Ladarius Green, who has taken on a big role in the offense in recent weeks, could miss out due to a possible concussion.
That Steelers offense will be feeling the effects of the Bengals’ physicality for a few days, and the Ravens D won’t hold back with their hits, either. Games between the Steelers and Ravens are typically close; seven of the last 11 games have been decided by three points or fewer. This game figures to be a similarly rough and grinding affair.
The Pittsburgh defense looks well-equipped for that sort of game, though. They shut the Bengals out in the second half of their game, and limited them to just 222 total yards. They still haven’t allowed over 20 points during their current five-game win streak, and are allowing well below 300 total yards per game.
Writer’s Prediction
The Steelers finally beat Baltimore at home, 24-21, but the Ravens (+4.5) cover in another tight game.
