Baltimore Ravens Host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round
The NFL Playoffs kickoff this weekend. The top matchup on Saturday is the Baltimore Ravens taking on their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. These teams have a long and storied history since the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore. These games have traditionally been high-stake matchups. This one is no different.
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t end the season the way they wanted to. Going 0-4 down the stretch. This must have left a bad taste in the mouth of Steelers players. It also affected head coach Mike Tomlin, even if it was against some of the NFL’s best teams. The Baltimore Ravens were just the opposite. They ended the season on a 4 game winning streak against mostly bad competition. This game has all the makings of being a early round classic.
Ravens Riding High After Dominant Win
The Baltimore Ravens come into the game with a 12-5 record and significant momentum following a commanding 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Lamar Jackson led the offense with 217 passing yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-32 passing, earning a quarterback rating of 92.8 while avoiding turnovers.
Running back Derrick Henry dominated on the ground, rushing for 138 yards on 20 carries at an impressive 6.9 yards per attempt. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman chipped in with 76 yards on five receptions, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. The Ravens’ rushing attack was unstoppable, racking up 220 yards on 35 attempts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
Baltimore’s defense stifled Cleveland’s offense, allowing only 174 passing yards on 18 completions and just 56 rushing yards on 19 carries (2.9 yards per attempt). The Ravens finished with 437 total yards on 67 plays, averaging 6.5 yards per play.
Baltimore Ravens Offensive Dominance
Baltimore leads the NFL in total offense, averaging 424.9 yards per game, including a league-best 187.6 rushing yards per contest. The team has amassed 3,189 rushing yards. They have also gained 4,035 passing yards this season. The team ranks 7th in passing offense. They have an average of 237.4 yards per game. The Ravens are scoring at an elite level, averaging 30.5 points per game, placing them 3rd in the league.
Baltimore faces issues with penalties. They rank 2nd in the league for penalty yardage. The team has committed 132 infractions for 1,120 yards. On defense, they excel against the run, allowing only 80.1 rushing yards per game, but their pass defense ranks 31st, giving up 244.1 yards per game. The Ravens have allowed 21.2 points per game, ranking 9th in scoring defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Looking to Bounce Back
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this crucial matchup with a 10-7 record. They are coming off a tough 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Russell Wilson delivered a steady performance. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown. He earned a quarterback rating of 78.4 without throwing an interception. The ground game struggled, as Najee Harris managed only 36 yards on 12 carries, averaging 3.0 yards per attempt. Tight end Pat Freiermuth provided a bright spot for the offense, recording 85 yards on eight receptions, averaging 10.6 yards per catch.
Despite these efforts, the Steelers’ offense was limited to just 193 total yards over 54 plays, including 74 rushing yards on 23 attempts (3.2 yards per carry). On the defensive side, Pittsburgh allowed 246 passing yards on 37 completions out of 46 attempts. They also gave up 68 rushing yards on 21 carries. This matched their own rushing average.
Steelers’ Season Performance
For the season, the Steelers are averaging 22.4 points per game, bolstered by an 11th-ranked rushing attack producing 127.4 yards per game. The offense has tallied 5,430 total yards and scored 35 touchdowns, including 21 passing and 14 rushing. However, turnovers have been a consistent issue, with six interceptions and 11 fumbles lost over the season.
Defensively, Pittsburgh ranks 12th in the league, surrendering 326.7 yards per game. The pass defense has been a weakness, allowing 3,876 yards (25th in the NFL). However, the rush defense has held opponents to 98.7 yards per game. The Steelers have given up 37 total touchdowns, yet their ability to limit opponents to 20.4 points per game ranks them 8th in scoring defense.
Injury Report: Key Players to Watch
The Steelers face injuries to several key players. Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo and tackle Calvin Anderson practiced fully. Offensive guard Mason McCormick was limited with a hand issue. Kicker Chris Boswell and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward missed practice due to illness. Meanwhile, tight end MyCole Pruitt and linebacker Cole Holcomb also dealt with injuries.
The Ravens have similar concerns. Running back Justice Hill practiced fully as he recovers from a concussion. However, wide receiver Deonte Harty and Zay Flowers missed practice due to knee injuries. Safety Kyle Hamilton was a full participant and remains a key player for Baltimore’s secondary.
Steelers vs. Ravens: 150% Bonus and Competitive Odds Await!
This matchup showcases Baltimore’s top-ranked rushing offense clashing with Pittsburgh’s formidable defensive front. The Steelers need to find ways to contain both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry while striving for greater offensive consistency. Meanwhile, the Ravens will look to exploit Pittsburgh’s vulnerable pass defense and reinforce their secondary to counter Russell Wilson’s arm.
In this AFC North showdown, both teams face postseason stakes. They must rely on disciplined execution. Standout performances from key players are crucial to secure a victory. Adding to the excitement, fans can capitalize on a 150% Free Play bonus. The offer comes with a 10x rollover. It’s an ideal opportunity to back your favorite team.
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Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers +10 (-115) – Baltimore Ravens -10 (-105)
Money line: Steelers +405 – Ravens -530
Total: O 43 ½ -110 – U 43 ½ -110
The Dart Throw: Expect a low scoring knockdown dragout type of a game today. Whichever defense forces the most turnovers will go a long way to determining the winner. Don’t be shocked if the Steelers pull off an upset win today. With that being said, the Under 43.5 is the play to make this afternoon in Baltimore.
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