In what has to be one of the more celebrated rivalries in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers collide once more in one of the Wild Card tiffs. Both teams have split their regular season games.
For the Ravens, the match allows the Baltimore secondary to make up for giving up six touchdowns during week 9 while the Steelers will try to extend their streak after taking the AFC North after their defense took shape late in the season.
Injuries to players like Eugene Monroe and Ryan Wagner could be a problem for the Ravens but from the looks of it, Ravens coach Harbaugh has already made the necessary adjustments. Rookie James Hurst has been tasked to take over from Monroe, possibly better consider the forgettable season that the left tackle has had.
On the offensive end, Gary Kubiak has done wonders for the Ravens although it remains to be seen how they can continue pushing aside their opponents considering the improved pass rush strategy.
After an inconsistent showing this season, the Steelers have gotten everything together and in time. However, with Le'Veon Bell hurting his knee, the running back remains doubtful for their match. In case Bell is not 100 percent, Dri Archer is expected to pick off from where he left off. Though Archer may not be able to deliver the same high level of snaps that Bell brings, his speed could become a weapon for this showdown.
Another key that could work in favor of the Steelers is how to contain Baltimore quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger. With the Steelers are thriving on these two quarterbacks so the question of how to pressure and throw them off is something to watch.
Baltimore is a 3-0 (28.8-33.1) underdog against the Ravens (according to Oddshark.com) heading into the Saturday night Wild Card weekend betting matchup.
The game is set at 8:15 p.m. ET at Heinz Field and will be televised via NBC. The game can also be viewed online here.
