Steelers vs. Ravens: Preview, score prediction for Week 4
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Few rivalries in the NFL hold a candle to that between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. These two AFC North adversaries have a real disdain for one another. Traditionally, though, that has made for some iconic clashes, which is what we’re hoping for in Week 4.
Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore come into this matchup on the heels of bad losses. The former were stunned by the Bears in Week 3, losing in overtime after being handled in shocking fashion. More shocking, though, was the way that the Flock was destroyed by the Jaguars in London last week.
Having said that, both of these teams come into this game needing a win. With bad blood and stakes on the line, this should be a fun one.
Keys to Victory
Coming into this rivalry game, the Steelers need to get right on offense. While Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t looked himself, Le’Veon Bell has been a much more dire case of this. The Ravens have a talented defense, but Bell at his best is effective against anyone. Pittsburgh has to get the running back going and the star needs to look like it as he gets his legs beneath him following a holdout this preseason.
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On defense for Pittsburgh, the big X-factor will be stopping the run. Buck Allen and Terrance West have been effective at times this season. With that being said, they weren’t last week, and the evidence was in their totals and how Joe Flacco performed. No running game hurts a weak passing game and really limits what Baltimore can do offensively overall.
Speaking of the Ravens offense, the big key is for their offensive line to provide some sort of protection. No question, the Steelers front isn’t on the level that the Jaguars is. However, they have talented rushers and players that can eat up a weak unit. Without Yanda, that’s what the Ravens line might be. They must prove that wrong and give Flacco and the backs room to work.
The talented Baltimore defense’s big key will be keeping plays in front of them. There’s no denying the big-play ability of Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant, among others. However, the Ravens can’t afford to be beat over the top and give up big plays. With worries for their offense, that would be a death sentence.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Pittsburgh -3
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -155, Baltimore +135
Over/Under: 42
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 4
Prediction
There’s no doubt that this matchup will be fiery — that’s the nature of the rivalry. However, there’s also a distinct discrepancy between these two teams in terms of quality. The Ravens felt like fool’s gold to begin with, but even more so without Marshal Yanda. While the Steelers may not be at the level we thought they’d be, they’re still better than that and should get a nice road win to rebound.
Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers: 24, Baltimore Ravens: 10