Finally got a line on this.
Looks like an easy Baltimore Ravens win, right? They won in Pittsburgh. They have won 15 straight at home where they average just shy of 37 points per game. The Steelers have lost 2 in a row, a rarity for this team since Rothesburger took over. Now, everyone expects them to lose a 3rd in a row. After all, the Ravens are 6-0 against the Steelers without Rothesburger.
I see a MAJOR motivational differential here. Usually, Steeler week here in Baltimore is an occasion. It's a week long tribute to how great our Ravens are and we all chant in harmony how many ways the Steelers suck. That is not happening this week. Usually during Steeler week, the players are chomping at the bit, the practices are fierce and crisp. That is not happening this week. The Ravens seem to have this one in the win column already.
The Steelers played quite possibly their worst game in 10 years last week. 8 turnovers!!! I guarantee you, that this team comes to play Sunday and the Ravens had better have their A game on. Steelers were embarrassed last week. This team has a ton of pride. I fully expect them to play inspired football Sunday.
The Ravens are getting used to playing like shit for 50 out of 60 minutes and pulling the game out of their ass. With Charlie "social security" Batch at the QB, that will probably be good enough to win again Sunday and move to 10-2.
However, I do not think that it is good enough to blow out an undoubtedly pissed off Pittsburgh Steeler team that has a tremendous amount of pride. Polomalu comes back to play. If he is 70% ready, he will be a factor.
I think the Ravens win, but the Steelers come out clawing and swinging, and they give the Ravens a run for their money. The Steelers can turn the field upside down on you with their defense. Just ask the 2000 Ravens; they won a Super Bowl with ZERO offense. This week, the Steelers need this game much,much more than the Ravens. They keep it close, but no cigar.
Prediction: Ravens 20 Steelers 16
Play: Pittsburgh +9.5 -135
***Record in Ravens Games 11-0 ***
***REST OF MY NFL SELECTIONS WILL BE POSTED BY NOON SUNDAY (34-12 RECORD ytd)***

