Less than a month ago, it seemed that today's Thanksgiving matchup of the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers was going to have little significance, other than being the latest installment in one of the NFL's most entertaining rivalries. The Ravens were 3-4 at the beginning of November, coming off of a last-second loss in Pittsburgh and hardly clinging to playoff hope. And the Steelers lost the two games following their victory over Baltimore, moving their record to 2-6.
But now just a few weeks later, the Ravens and Steelers enter today's game with the same 5-6 record, which has both teams tied for second place in the AFC North, as well as for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC with four other teams.
Now a game that many thought would mean little when it comes to the NFL's big picture just a couple of weeks ago has taken a full 180-degree turn, and has become one of the most important games of the season so far. And what better time to play it than in primetime on Thanksgiving night under the lights of M&T Bank Staidum?
The Ravens have won two of their last three games, including an overtime win over the division-leading Cincinnati Bengals and a dominating 19-3 victory over the New York Jets. And even though there is an overtime loss to the Chicago Bears sandwiched in between those two wins, Baltimore has still played three consecutive quality games nonetheless.
But Pittsburgh's momentum is undeniable. Since starting the year 2-6, they've won three straight games by an average margin of 13 points per game. And these two teams who are trending upwards will meet in a game where the loser's playoff stock will most certainly drop to near rock bottom with little hope of recovery.
The AFC North's most bitter rivals met in Pittsburgh back in week seven, in which the Steelers won 19-16 on a last-second field goal. Both teams played an even game for the most part, with Baltimore and Pittsburgh gaining 287 and 286 total yards, respectively. Each team got into the end zone once, both through the air. Joe Flacco out-passed Ben Roethlisberger 215-160, while the Steelers out-rushed the Ravens 141-82.
While Roethlisberger and Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown have found some vital chemistry over the past few weeks that has led to success, the Steelers' winning ways started when their running game began playing consistently well; and that will be one of the most important keys in today's game. Can Le'Veon Bell and company have a sucessful day on the ground against the stout Ravens run defense?
The short answer? The Steelers backs will get their yards and be productive today, to an extent. But the Ravens have allowed only one rushing touchdown all season.
One.
If Bell or another back expect to get in the end zone today, think again.
In fact, getting into the end zone at all against Baltimore will be challenging. The Ravens have the NFL's best red-zone defense, allowing touchdowns to opponents on only 31 percent of those possessions. Touchdowns will come at a premium today for the Steelers, and most likely, for both teams.
But at the end of the day, one team will finally improve to .500. One team will hold sole possession of second place in the AFC North. And one team will see their playoff hopes get much brighter, while the other's will most likely dim to complete darkness.
This game will be close, as all Ravens-Steelers games are. Eight of the last nine games played between these two teams have been decided by three points. John Harbaugh's Ravens have a 7-1 record in primetime home games, and have won eight of their last nine home games against AFC North opponents. Take the hints that are given to you, folks. Ravens 20, Steelers 17.
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