Previous year the Steelers did not have the luxury of controlling their own destiny.
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Kansas City secured a playoff berth with the Baltimore loss.
Add in that the game is being played in Heinz Field, a detail that has great impact both ways.
Steelers LB James Harrison has five sacks in the past four games vs. the Ravens. A streak that seemed improbable after their loss to the Dallas Cowboys in November.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh can lock up the North with a win today.
But aren’t the Ravens just a scarier team? Ben Roethlisberger is not afraid to check down to him him in pressure situations. They put together a couple of nice plays. This kid gets better every game. Listed as doubtful are wide receiver Sammie Coates and tight end Ladarius Green. A 12-play, 53-yard drive gave Tucker the chance before intermission. Steelers are 13-2 in December games since 2013. That was Roethlisberger’s first game back from a knee injury, and the Steelers were committed to running the ball and keeping Roethlisberger’s knee healthy. Baltimore won 21-14 with a lot of defense and a little Joe Flacco, who outplayed Roethlisberger.
“One game for the North title”.
Pittsburgh will surely take advantage. When you aren’t getting enough help from your offense, it makes the defense’s job even tougher.
The Steelers (9-5) didn’t figure to be in this position after losing four straight during the middle of the season. His top target, Antonio Brown, has performed more like Charlie Brown in this series, scoring only two touchdowns in 14 career games. On Jan. 1, the Steelers host the Cleveland Browns and the Ravens visit the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Steelers take to the air early, they may be able to exploit this favorable matchup.
The Ravens did what they sought out to do in the first half, controlling the time of possession, out-gaining the Steelers and slowing the Steelers’ high-powered passing attempt.
“They are all such big games for us players”, Flacco said.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Steelers are 6-point home favorites versus the Ravens while the over/under now sits at 45 points. Pittsburgh gives up a 44-yard reception to Steve Smith and tacks on a 15-yard penalty by cornerback Artie Burns and the Ravens are in business.
Roethlisberger has two touchdown passes and five interceptions in his past three games against Baltimore.
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That extension of an arm eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention, while the Steelers nabbed the No. 3 seed in the AFC postseason picture, which means that they will be hosting a Wild Card Game come January.
