Week 18: Steelers @ Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers typically play the Baltimore Ravens as well as anyone. However, these two teams are currently worlds apart when it comes to overall talent and quarterback play heading into the season finale.
While the Steelers could very well be playing for a chance to get into the tournament, the Ravens might need this win to be the top seed in the AFC and earn a first-round bye. Even if that's not the case, John Harbaugh and company would certainly take pleasure in shattering Pittsburgh's playoff dreams this year.
It's hard to say how these teams will be looking heading into the season finale or how healthy either squad will be. These will play a huge factor in determining who could emerge victorious. Because these always seem to be close contests, I'm expecting the Steelers to make a game of it.
Sadly, at the end of the day, I have the more talented unit emerging victorious. With a loss in Week 18, Mike Tomlin's streak without a losing season comes to an end and the Steelers go their seventh straight year without a playoff win (and their third straight year without so much as an appearance in the postseason).
Prediction: Steelers 13 Ravens 19
Record: 8-9 (Steelers miss playoffs)