Despite a four-game losing streak, the Baltimore Ravens have a chance to reclaim the lead in the AFC North with a win over their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Both of these squads are currently on losing streaks, and the result of this game will be a product of which players will and won’t be active on Sunday. So far, the Ravens (3-4) have been swamped with injuries, which has weakened their otherwise stout defense.
In the past two games against the Giants and Jets, Baltimore’s secondary has gotten their top taken off by players such as Giants’ wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., who was able to catch the game-winning touchdown against the Ravens in Week 6.
Because of injuries to Ronnie Stanley and Marshal Yanda, Baltimore’s offensive line has been shaky, as subpar pass protection has played a role in quarterback Joe Flacco’s recent struggles. Flacco hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 5.
Ravens running back Terrance West only picked up 10 total yards against the Jets’ front seven because of mental errors by Baltimore’s offensive line. One holding penalty negated a 49-yard run by West.
If Stanley and Yanda can return to the field this Sunday, the Ravens’ production on offense should improve significantly.
Look for Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace to have a big day against his former team. Wallace currently leads the Ravens in receiving yards (490) and touchdowns (three).
Despite being depleted by injuries in 2016, Baltimore’s linebacking corps should return to its dominant form as both Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley will be ready to go on Sunday against the Steelers.
Although the Ravens have fallen victim to the injury bug in 2016, the good news for Baltimore is Pittsburgh isn’t fully healthy either.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured against the Miami Dolphins, which led to surgery for a torn meniscus. Due to Roethlisberger’s surgery, backup quarterback Landry Jones had to play against the New England Patriots the following week.
While Big Ben plans to play against the Ravens, if he isn’t ready, Jones will start yet again.
Assuming Roethlisberger plays against Baltimore, he won’t be feeling 100 percent. The Ravens’ front seven should take full advantage of this by applying heavy pressure early, and often, in effort to force errant throws.
The Ravens will also need to be prepared to face Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, who has picked up 344 rushing yards in four games.
No matter who plays under center, the Ravens’ secondary must account for Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, who is arguably the best receiver in the game. Through seven games, Brown has caught 48 passes for 592 yards and five touchdowns.
It doesn’t matter who is healthy — the bottom line is it’s a pivotal game with high stakes between two teams who despise each other. Although the Ravens have defeated the Steelers in their past three meetings, beating Pittsburgh for a fourth time in a row will be a tall order for Baltimore.
This matchup should be a low-scoring, defensive battle and this game will likely go down to the wire.
Prediction: Steelers over Ravens 23-16
