Expert predictions for Ravens vs. Steelers: Will backups step up in regular-season finale?
The Ravens (13-3) face the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Baltimore. Here are the Baltimore Banner sports team predictions: Here are some important factors we do know: Lamar Jackson is not playing. With the Steelers fighting for a playoff spot, the Ravens have nothing to gain. Baltimore is also in a tough spot, with Kyle Hamilton, Brandon Stevens and Jay Flores all making unexpected appearances on the injury report. John Harbaugh may have a lot of passive skills, but he probably doesn’t want to risk the most dynamic playmaker in the game when he has nothing but ego.
By the way, sometimes pride counts for a lot. The Steelers certainly run with Mason Rudolph, who has his own offensive ability. But given the Ravens’ success with pressure and coverage this year, I don’t expect Pittsburgh to score even 30 points on Baltimore’s defense. The loss to Pittsburgh earlier this season was one of the toughest moments of the year and Mike Tomlin will need to increase his motivation to win as he has been the Ravens lunch the last few games. Assuming Tyler Huntley is ready to take over, I’m sticking with my offseason prediction that the Ravens will finish the season with a 14-3 record and end the regular season with an upset win at home. Mason Rudolph is a little salty for Pittsburgh, but I’m not sure how many NFL GMs would pick him to lead the offense against Tyler Huntley. Rudolph started the season as the third stringer to a bad Steelers target quarterback. One of the best backups in the NFL, Huntley had big games against Aaron Rodgers and Joe Burroughs during his career. Huntley’s quick start should limit Pittsburgh’s strong pass rush, but we wonder how the Ravens’ running game will fare without Lamar Jackson.
But with rain in the forecast, defense and special teams will give the Ravens a win. Time and time again this season, they have shown they have the depth, coaching and scheme to limit talented offenses like the Steelers. If the backbone of the defense can hold up against Pittsburgh’s running game, Justin Tucker and the Ravens’ home crowd should be enough to keep their winning streak alive, even if key contributors are missing or limited. There is always motivation to beat the opponent, but this game is much more important to the Steelers. Even with a win, other things have to happen to make the playoffs, and it starts with a win. The Ravens’ playoff spot will not change based on the outcome of the game. They like to beat the odds of their opponents. Of course, the news that Lamar Jackson wasn’t playing changed everything, but the Steelers’ starting tight end was also missing. And Tyler Huntley has more NFL experience than Mason Rudolph, despite Rudolph’s recent success. He can also be compared to starting pitcher Kenny Pickett. The Ravens outplayed the Steelers in most aspects of the game, with the exception of outside linebackers T.J. Watt did just that (the Ravens had seven Pro Bowl selections, compared to the Steelers’ three). Ravens have Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr. Other players may be benched or restricted. And while Marlon Humphrey will change the direction of the game, I think the motivation to right the wrongs of the October game will push the Ravens over the top. .
It will be wet and cold. The Crows have a number of key players involved. The unusually large number of Steelers fans seems like a good opportunity. The game is important to Pittsburgh, not Baltimore.
All of which means the Steelers are the favorites, a Ravens team that seems to thrive when in doubt. The aftermarket prices have Baltimore fans thinking about getting out of this game and into the playoffs. A forecast of rain, sleet or snow does not encourage anyone to sit in the stands for a meaningless game. At least not when it comes to the Crows and the standings. There’s no question the Ravens will be at their best, and it’s also true that quarterback Lamar Jackson, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Royals quarterback Marlon Humphrey and right guard Kevin Zeitler will play in this game. Wide receiver Zay Blomen is listed as questionable. Many of the team’s regular players do this on a limited basis to avoid the risk of injury. The Steelers (9-7), meanwhile, are out of the playoff picture but have a shot if they finish the regular season with a win. With coach Mike Tomlin naming quarterback Mason Rudolph the starter, the team has won two straight, including a surprising 30-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on the road. Pittsburgh appears to be healthy, and Tomlin & Co. has the support of overzealous insiders waving scary towels at M&T Bank Stadium. I hope for your work and help.
