On the afternoon of Christmas, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the opportunity to seize the ultimate gift: The title of AFC North champions. Everything this team has worked towards comes down to sixty minutes in a matchup that will be spoken of for seasons to come.
Breakdown:
It is a very simple concept for the Steelers: Win or hope to somehow make the playoffs by acquiring the sixth seed. Last year the Steelers did not have the luxury of controlling their own destiny. A win against Cleveland and help from the Buffalo Bills secured their playoff berth over the New York Jets. This time they have the opportunity to play their wildcard matchup from Heinz Field.
The Steelers enter their matchup against Baltimore coming off a five-game win streak. A streak that seemed improbable after their loss to the Dallas Cowboys in November. Pittsburgh responded the way that contenders do, and finding ways to win has granted them the ability to enter the postseason on a strong note.
The only opposition that stands against them is a Ravens team that is not content with defeat. The Ravens bested the Steelers 21-14 in their first meeting. Ben Roethlisberger‘s return to the football field less than three weeks after surgery to repair a torn meniscus left the quarterback looking unlike his normal self. He finally got the Steelers offense going late in the fourth quarter, but his heroic comeback was too little, too late.
Special Teams contributor, Shamarko Thomas, will miss the game due to concussion symptoms. Listed as doubtful are wide receiver Sammie Coates and tight end Ladarius Green. Coates has played a strong role in kick returns, which may give Justin Gilbert the chance to find his way on the field. The loss of Green strikes a blow to the Steelers’ aerial attack, as the tight end has been a favorite of Roethlsiberger’s over the past few games.
Stephon Tuitt and Ricardo Mathews are listed as questionable. Tuitt’s knee injury hurts the Steelers’ defensive line the most, as they are already down to bare bones in the reserve category. If the Steelers can get Tuitt on the field, even in a limited fashion, it will go a long way in applying pressure to Joe Flacco.
Matchups:
Antonio Brown vs. Tavon Young/Shareece Wright
The Ravens have ruled out their number one cornerback, Jimmy Smith, for Sunday’s game. An ankle injury suffered earlier in the year has limited Smith, and the Ravens will be without the services of their top defensive back. This gives the Steelers a golden opportunity to take advantage of Baltimore’s defense through the air.
The Steelers were insistent on attempting to control the game on the ground in November, but failed to do so. Le’Veon Bell could only muster 32 yards on 14 carries, which have been his lowest of the season so far. The Steelers did not put themselves in contention to win until Roethlisberger starting moving the offense down the field through the air. It is understandable that the Steelers did not want to risk Ben’s recently repaired knee taking damage, but this time there is no excuse for him to not open up the passing game.
The Ravens will most likely put a combination of Tavon Young and Shareece Wright on Antonio Brown in an attempt to cover the receiver. In their last meeting, Brown recorded seven receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. If the Steelers take to the air early, they may be able to exploit this favorable matchup.
Artie Burns vs. The Ravens’ receiver corps
Artie Burns‘ coming out party occurred in the Steelers’ last meeting with the Ravens. Although Pittsburgh lost, Burns recorded the first interception of his career off a perfectly read pass. Burns acquired a considerable amount of experience against the Ravens’ talented group of receivers.
Over the past six weeks, the rookie has grown into a cornerback that will one day be a shutdown defensive back in the NFL. He will be tasked with limiting the Ravens’ through the air, which will be no small feat. The likes of Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman, and Steve Smith will be daunting opposition for the young cornerback.
Eliminating penalties will be paramount when it comes to Burns defending the trio of receivers. He has drawn only two pass interference plays this season. The first was in the last game against Perriman when he got a little too physical with the receiver. His performance in this game will set the tone for how well he can perform under pressure in games to come.
Next: Steelers vs. Ravens: Fantasy Outlook
Predictions:
L.T. Walton makes the most of his time on the field during the absence of Heyward and Tuitt, recording the first sack of his career.
Sean Davis picks off the second pass of his career on an errant deep pass underthrown by Flacco, taking it back to the Steelers’ side of the field in the third quarter.
Ben Roethlisberger shrugs off his poor performance against Baltimore earlier in the season, throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns.
The Steelers capture their 22nd AFC North title, lock up a playoff berth, and send the Ravens home defeated with a 35-28 victory.