The Pittsburgh Steelers have one last shot to improve their playoff standing by beating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, but their best-case scenario to punch their playoff ticket still will involve some waiting and scoreboard watching. If the Steelers are going to take care of business, how will things go?
Gameday: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m.
KEY TO VICTORY: Manage the Emotions
The Baltimore Ravens are a team with nothing to lose. They’re already in the playoffs, and have their No. 1 seed secure. Some Ravens stars are getting the night off, but the ones that are left have one job: end the Steelers season. That type of assignment can come with a recipe for extracurricular activities, and the Steelers haven’t necessarily been the coolest team this season. With Brad Allen’s officiating crew not wanting to be in the center of another controversy, you can bet things will be called tightly.
OVERLOOKED MATCHUP: Miles Killebrew vs. Ravens Special Teams
Two of the last three Steelers-Ravens games have hinged on a key block. Calais Campbell blocked a Chris Boswell field goal to help the Ravens beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh last season and Miles Killebrew blocked a Jordan Stout punt for a safety at Acrisure Stadium this year. Killebrew has been playing well, and was just named to his first Pro Bowl squad. Does he have another killer block up his sleeve?
BOLD PREDICTION: Hundo for Harris
There’s just something about this game that feels like a Najee Harris game to me. It’s going to be cold and wet on a slippery track with a natural surface in Baltimore, and I think those conditions lend themselves to Harris’ running style more than Jaylen Warren. It’s also going to be a cold, wet, windy night when chucking up deep balls might not be the best idea. If the Steeles offensive line can continue to blocking, Harris is playing the best football he’s played in a Steelers uniform right now. He needs 77 yards to get to 1,000 on the season. Here’s betting he goes for the century mark.
PICK IT:
Steelers 23, Ravens 20
Last week: Steelers 17-13 (W)
Season: 8-8
Ravens +3.5 (-125)
Over 34.5 (-115)
Najee Harris anytime touchdown (+140)
Last week: 2-1 (W Steelers +3, K. Walker TD, L Under 40.5)
Season: 25-23
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