Baltimore Ravens

Ravens at Steelers: Live Stream, Preview, Prediction, Odds

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:56 p.m. ET

Fansided, Cody Williams/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

You’re probably tired of the phrase now, but the Pittsburgh Steelers truly do control their own playoff destiny. If they win in Week 16 on Christmas Day, the Steelers lock up the AFC North and are headed for the playoffs. Of course, that task won’t be an easy one as it’ll be the rival Baltimore Ravens headed to Heinz Field on the holiday afternoon.

The Ravens won the first meeting between these two, a game noteworthy due to one of the worst onside kick attempts in recent memory. However, Ben Roethlisberger was fresh off his knee injury in that matchup and is far more healthier heading into the Christmas Day matchup. That said, he hasn’t looked his best of late and will need to against this Baltimore defense.

However, the Baltimore defense isn’t exactly healthy right now, particularly on the outside. With Jimmy Smith out, you have to think that the highlight-reel machine, Antonio Brown, could be due for a big day at the office. That could mean that the Ravens offense and Joe Flacco will need to step their games up so to be able to combat the number that the home Steelers could put on the board.

Here’s all the game info for Sunday’s Christmas afternoon matchup:

Date: Sunday, December 25
Start Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stadium: Heinz Field
TV Info: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL.com

Keys to Victory

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For the Steelers, attacking the Ravens secondary without Smith is going to be pivotal. Yes, Le’Veon Bell can have success against anyone and Roethlisberger has been a bit disappointing as of late. However, the Steelers passing attack still has incredibly potent potential. And if there’s a weakness that they could possibly exploit, expect Mike Tomlin to game plan to do just that.

Though there are weapons galore for the Ravens defense, the key for them is going to be Kenneth Dixon out of the backfield. Whether running the ball or coming out of the backfield as a pass-catcher, that type of attack is something the Steelers are vulnerable to. Subsequently, the Ravens need to recognize that and go after it time and again on Sunday.

Odds

Point Spread: Pittsburgh -6
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -265, Baltimore +225
Over/Under: 46

Prediction

With Roethlisberger healthy and this offense seemingly on the verge of clicking on all cylinders, I don’t think the Ravens have what it takes overall to combat it. Their defense is good, but not as good as the Steelers offense. This one might wind up being a bit more high-scoring than some expect, but Pittsburgh should ultimately come out on top and win the division.

Pick: Baltimore Ravens: 28, Pittsburgh Steelers: 38