NFL

Pittsburg (6-4):

Offense:
Points Per Game: 23.1 (15th)
Total Yards/GM: 379.8 (6th)
Rush Yards/GM: 111.6 (17th)
Pass Yards/GM: 268.2 (5th)

Defense:
Points Per Game: 18.4 (8th)
Total Yards/GM: 277.9 (1st)
Rush Yards/GM: 69.2 (1st)
Pass Yards/GM: 208.7 (12th)

Baltimore (5-5):

Offense:
Points Per Game: 23.7 (12th)
Total Yards/GM: 349.4 (13th)
Rush Yards/GM: 115.5 (14th)
Pass Yards/GM: 233.9 (15th)

Defense:
Points Per Game: 17.1 (5th)
Total Yards/GM: 310 (9th)
Rush Yards/GM: 92.1 (5th)
Pass Yards/GM: 217.9 (17th)

What is at Stake?

The winner of the Pittsburgh Steelers/Ravens game will take over control of second place in the AFC North standings, possibly moving to the inside track of making the playoffs. For Pittsburg, winning this game would move the team within ½ game of the Bengals. If the Ravens should win this hard-noised matchup, the club will move into a tie for second place in the division. With a win, each team will also be in a position to over-take the upstart Cincinnati Bengals if the sputter down the stretch.

Key Matchup:

The key matchup of the game is the emerging Ray Rice versus the Pittsburg number one ranked rush defense. The Steelers have consistently shut down top rushers throughout the entire season, only yielding 69 yards to Adrian Peterson, forcing teams to become “pass happy.” However, believe it or not, this could become a detriment to the Steelers. Rice has the ability to defeat a team with his pass-catching ability.

The Skinny:

Whether it’s on the ground or in the air, Rice will be a factor in this game. If the Steelers to an effective job of limiting the touches, including catches, of Rice then their chances of winning the game dramatically increase.

Prediction: Pittsburg 21, Baltimore 14.