The Ravens can eliminate the Steelers from the AFC title race tonight
and given the Pittsburgh offensive troubles (I'm trying to be
diplomatic) I don't think Baltimore are going to pass up the
opportunity.
Charlie Batch is under centre, and if that isn't bad enough for the
visitors, their O line is in pieces, so Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata
may think that Christmas has come early. Batch isn't a complete bust,
but he's old and there's little mobility and even less arm strength.
Last week, every tailback put the ball on the ground and the
Steelers certainly won't survive that sort of profligacy. Jonathan Dwyer
will likely be the lead back, but with Batch's arm a limited threat,
Baltimore can load up on the run and take their chances, so it'll be a
tough go on the ground. The passing game will be Heath Miller over the
top, Emmanuel Sanders in the slot, Antonio Brown on a wing and a prayer
and Mike Wallace on the naughty step.
All this suggests the Ravens skate home, but the Steelers will be
tough on defense and there may be a kind of Alamo spirit here, as they
know they are their team's best chance. Flacco is his usual infuriating
self; no-one makes decisions as bad as him in positions where the better
option is seemingly obvious. Pittsburgh are really tough against the
pass anyway, so Flacco had better bring his A game. The key for the
Ravens will be Ray Rice and the absence of Lamarr Woodley must be good
news on that front; Rice operates effectively as Flacco's safety valve
too, so he'll have a busy night.
The decider for me though, is the Ravens' form at home. That's where
Flacco operates best and with the Steelers doubtless keying on stopping
Ray Rice, Flacco has the chance to show he can deliver.
I'll give the TD.
Pick: Baltimore Ravens -7 @ 1.91
Pick: 1st TD Ray Rice @ 5.5
Pick: Anytime TD Heath Miller @ 3.1; Baltimore DST @ 4.5
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