Preview: Ravens Want to Finish Strong Against Steelers

The Ravens have clinched the AFC north and the number one overall seed in the playoffs making Saturdays game against the Pittsburgh Steelers an opportunity to play spoiler, and rest some guys ahead of the Ravens divisional round game in two weeks. The Ravens are coming off a blowout win over the Miami Dolphins, while the Steelers have won two straight after defeating the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday 30-23. The Ravens have nothing to play for other then pride, while the Steelers need a win to just make the playoffs. A Steelers loss doesn’t completely eliminate them from making the playoffs, but a loss to the Ravens would make it much more difficult as they would need other teams to lose.

Saturday will be similar to a preseason game for the Ravens as several players will be getting their first starts, and first extending playing time. The Ravens have already ruled out five players mostly for rest, quarterback Lamar Jackson, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, linebacker Malik Harrison, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and guard Kevin Zeitler. Safety Darly Worley (shoulder,ankle) was placed on injured reserve likely ending his season, while wide receiver Zay Flowers (calf) is listed as doubtful and not expected to play.

Cornerbacks Ronald Darby (illness), Arthur Maulet (hip), and Brandon Stephens (ankle) are all listed as questionable. Safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) was limited this week and is also listed as questionable, but its unlikely he will play in a meaningless game. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (knee) is questionable while safety Ar’Darius Washington (pectoral) just returned from injured reserve this week and is also listed as questionable.

As for the Steelers their injury report is a lot smaller as they need all hands on deck in a must win game. Linebacker Elandon Roberts (pectoral) is listed as questionable as well as safety Trenton Thompson (knee). Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) is also listed as questionable after being limited in practice this week. Fitzpatrick has missed the last two weeks, and would be a big boost to this Steelers defense if he can play.

Players to Watch:

Tyler Huntley

Fourth-year quarterback Tyler Huntley is no stranger to starting and winning games as he has helped lead the Ravens down the stretch each of the last two season due to injuries to starter Lamar Jackson. Huntley has plays sparingly this season, much to the delight of Ravens fans meaning Jackson has stayed healthy. In four games this season Huntley has thrown six passes on nine attempts all season for 57 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 15 yards on seven carries.

Huntley has started 19 career games including the Ravens wild-card game last season against the Bengals. His style mimics that of Jackson, and while he may not have the arm talent that Jackson has his ability to use his legs and create plays still makes him a threat for opposing defenses. If anyone can be trusted to run this Ravens offense and win a game for the Ravens on Saturday its Tyler Huntley.

Joey Porter Jr.

Rookie first-round cornerback Joey Porter Jr. may not be having the best rookie season of all time, but he has been a consistent piece for a Steelers defense that ranks near the middle in both total defense and passing defense. Porter Jr. has played in all 16 games so far this season and has amassed 43 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, and has added an interception in his first season.

Porter Jr. is a tall and physical cornerback standing at 6’2″ and 193 lbs. With Tyler Huntley under center and a lot of receivers playing together for the first time today for the Ravens watch for Joey Porter Jr. to make is presence felt and possibly be the spark this week for a Steelers defense that has been looking for one almost all season.

Prediction

With the weather expected to be a factor in the game, and the Ravens playing mostly backups. Its hard to really guess how the game will play out. The Steelers since turning to quarterback Mason Rudolph have played much better, however in a game that will likely see a lot of running it could be hard for the Steelers to move the ball against a Ravens run defense, backups or not.

The difference maker in the game will be Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley and his ability to protect the ball and how well he can move the ball through the air. With so many new pieces playing on both the Ravens offense and defense, many of whom will be getting their first starts this year, its to be expected for there to be mistakes. The Steelers are fighting to keep their season alive and because of that I think the Steelers ultimately prevail in a close one 20-17.

Line: Pittsburgh -3

Over/Under: 34.5

All-Time Record: Pittsburgh leads series 31-24

Last Meeting: 10/8/23 Pittsburgh 17-10