Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens - PREDICTION

Today at 4:25 the Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens in a pivotal AFC North match up.  A game that carries a ton of significance besides just another grudge match between the Steelers and Ravens.  If the Steelers are able to pull out a victory at Heinz Field, they will advance to 2-4 on the season and would be only 1 win behind the Ravens in the standings.  However, if the Ravens were to win in enemy territory, they would make the Steelers "hole" that they've dug for themselves a 6 foot grave.  Looking at the matchup, the Steelers and Ravens are very evenly matched, but I'll take a look at the matchup and give you a prediction...

Offense
- Between the Steelers and Ravens the offensive side of the football leaves a lot to be desired.  Both teams have flashes of brilliance, and times of down right atrocious football.  Looking at the rosters, its actually tough to decide who would have the edge here, but believe it or not I am giving the nod to the Steelers.  To me, Heath Miller and Antonio Brown will give the Ravens D fits today
Advantage - STEELERS

Defense
- The Steelers defense finally got their first turnovers of the year last week, but was it too little too late?  The Ravens defense has done a great job getting after the QB with Suggs and Dumervil and their DLine has played well so far this season.  The Ravens secondary is their weak point, but the Steelers will have to be able to run the ball to ease the Ravens pass defense.

Advantage - RAVENS

Special Teams
- The Steelers special teams has been a bright spot for the team this year, but when it comes to splash plays, they have had ZERO.  The Ravens special teams also has been solid, but its tough to give the nod to one team over the other (don't be surprised if this game doesn't come down to a big play on special teams one way or another)

Advantage - PUSH

Coaching
- Rumors of turmoil in the Baltimore locker room aren't new for the Ravens.  Last year that turmoil lead to a Super Bowl victory.  The Steelers weren't allowed to play games in the locker room and now they finally won a game.  This game doesn't need any extra motivation from the coaches, but when it comes to playing in Pittsburgh without a home victory yet, I like Coach Tomlin getting his crew ready for this huge game.

Advantage - STEELERS

PREDICTION
- These games are always close in the score column.  Blowouts in this matchup since 2005 are able to be counted on one hand.   I think this game will certainly follow suit.  An early lead will benefit either team, but especially the Steelers playing at home.  Look for a big play to make the difference in this game for either team.

STEELERS - 20
Ravens - 17