The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens (5-1) in a pivotal division matchup. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Ben Roethlisberger face off for the first time in their careers in a battle of top quarterbacks in the league. The Ravens come off their bye week with extra time for preparation, while the Steelers enter off of a hard-fought win over the Tennessee Titans last week.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are the only undefeated team remaining in the league and, for good reason. Their defense has been dominant through the first seven weeks, allowing the least yards per game in the NFL. Last week they battled with a 5-0 Titans squad but ultimately won 27-24. Notable performances included running back James Conner, who tallied 111 scrimmage yards, and wide receiver Diontae Johnson who scored twice to go along with 80 yards.
The Steelers are relatively healthy this week. The biggest concern is with cornerback Mike Hilton who practiced in a limited fashion this week with a shoulder injury. He is officially listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s game.
If the Steelers can pull off the upset, they’ll sit comfortably at the top of the division at 7-0 and hold the tie-breaker over the Ravens for the time being.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s only loss this season was to the Kansas City Chiefs in week 2. While a 5-1 record is solid, their last four games were all against teams with a losing record. This matchup with the Steelers won’t be easy, as they have a top-tier defense and volatile offense.
Injuries for the Ravens are somewhat light coming off their bye week. Veteran running back Mark Ingram is doubtful with an ankle injury after not practicing all week, and cornerback Jimmy Smith is questionable with an Achilles injury. Ingram likely won’t play, but the Ravens have tons of depth at the position so, it won’t affect their game plan.
The Ravens and Steelers rivalry goes way back. Pittsburgh leads the series 25-23, but Jackson and Roethlisberger have never faced off, so it will be interesting who comes out on top this week.
Game Info
Date: November 1, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 P.M. est
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: PIT +4.5 (-110) | BAL -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: PIT +180 | BAL -220
Over/Under: O 46.5 (-110) | U 46.5 (-110)
Pittsburgh’s defense is too good to let Baltimore get a big lead, so look for the Steelers to cover the spread in this one.
Although both defenses rank in the top-five this season in every defensive category, it will likely turn into a shootout by the end of the game. Take the over.
Prediction
Pittsburgh has played great football through the first seven weeks, but Baltimore’s aggressive defense will give Roethlisberger problems all game. Jackson and the Ravens will beat the undefeated Steelers in a nail-biter and reclaim the number one spot in the AFC North.
Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Baltimore Ravens 34
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