Prediction Time – Why the Steelers Will Win in Baltimore

To say that this is going to be the biggest game of the season for the Steelers is an understatement. The Steelers can wrap up the #2 seed in the AFC and the AFC North all at the same time. For the Ravens, they of course are playing for a tie in the division, meaning that the Steelers with be in for a two-week dogfight with the Birds should they lose tomorrow.

With that, it’s prediction time, and with so much on the line, this one is not going to be easy to pick one way or another.

Here are my couple of keys for a Steelers win:

1. Protect Ben – This is a no-brainer, but the O-line has really done a better job as of late making sure Ben does not get crushed like he was early in the year. Yes, I expect the Ravens to get 2-3 sacks, but making sure those sacks do not result in big drive killers or turnovers will be important.

2. Rock Flacco – Joe Flacco has been playing more like a 10-year vet than a guy in his first season. Much like they did vs Matt Cassel two weeks ago, the Steelers D has to get Flacco uncomfortable in the pocket, and try and get the ball out of his hands like they did in the first meeting and like they did vs Cassel two weeks ago.

3. Take Care of the Ball – Playing in a tough place is not going to be easy as is, and giving the Ravens a short field is for sure a recipe for a loss. The team has to be more careful with the ball, as they put it on the ground a few times last week vs the Cowboys, and they can’t do that vs the Ravens if they want to win. For sure Ben and the backs along with the recievers have to cover up the ball at all times.

In the end, this is going to be one tough task. I can’t see either team lighting it up on the offensive side of the ball, but the Steelers have the better defense, and that’s why when it’s all said and done, the Steelers will be the AFC North champs and the two seed.

Pittsburgh 17 Baltimore 14