Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
Key Matchup: Le’Veon Bell vs. Ravens Front Seven
Nov 24, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le
It’s been an up and down season for the Steelers rookie running back. He’s shown some glimpses of future stardom and has been easily contained other times.
While Roethlisberger is on a roll, the Steelers don’t win this game without a productive night from Bell.
Bell rushed for a season-high 93 yards in the first meeting between the two teams and is the X-factor Thursday night.
He is only averaging 3.3 yards per carry but Bell must be able to grind out tough yards against the Ravens and move the chains.
Bell must also get involved in the passing game. If Bell finds a way to get between 100-125 combined yards, I like the Steelers chances.
Prediction: I really like the way Roethlisberger is playing and having to choose between the two quarterbacks, I give the Steelers a big edge. However if we have learned anything in the past, it’s that when these two teams get together you can throw the numbers and the records out the window. That being said, I’m going with the trends here. Nine out of the last 13 matchups, including the past four meetings, have been decided by three points so I expect another close game.
The Ravens are also very tough at home, where they are 4-1 on the season, allowing just 10.8 points per game in those contests. Throw in the fact that Baltimore is 13-2 at home when the game-time temperature is under 40 degrees, which it is supposed to be and I’m giving the slight edge to the Ravens. At the end of the day, I just can’t see the Steelers sweeping Baltimore this season. Despite his struggles, I like what Flacco has been able to do late in games against the Steelers. The Ravens are the more desperate team and get the win at home. Ravens 24, Steelers 20