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Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 14 game between the Ravens (8-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (5-7) at Acrisure Stadium:
Jonas Shaffer, reporter
Ravens 17, Steelers 16: Don’t expect Lamar Jackson’s knee injury or Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement to radically alter the margin between these two teams. Six of their past seven meetings have been decided by one score, including two in overtime. In a matchup this close, the outcome could hinge on the game’s most trustworthy units. In that case, it’s hard to see the Ravens’ defense or special teams faltering.
Mike Preston, columnist
Ravens 13, Steelers 10: After two lackluster performances against Jacksonville and Denver, this is a character game for the Ravens. It will be tough and physical as usual, but Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will commit the costly turnover that will give the Ravens the victory.
Childs Walker, reporter
Steelers 17, Ravens 16: This shapes up as a classic Ravens-Steelers brawl in which neither offense will thrive. The Ravens will have to shut down Pittsburgh’s running game and force a few mistakes from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, because they’re less dynamic with quarterback Tyler Huntley playing in place of Lamar Jackson. But the Steelers’ defensive stars will carry the day.
Ryan McFadden, reporter
Ravens 10, Steelers 13: This will be another low-scoring, grind-it-out game. The Steelers are playing with some momentum, winning three of their last four to keep their playoff hopes alive. Baltimore will be without Lamar Jackson, and even though the Ravens pulled out the win last week with backup Tyler Huntley, their offense will continue to struggle. Expect rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett to get his first win in the Ravens-Steelers rivalry.
C.J. Doon, editor
Ravens 16, Steelers 13: Tyler Huntley may be 1-3 as a starting quarterback, but he’s kept the Ravens in those games until the bitter end. I expect this one to go down to the wire, with the Ravens taking the lead on a late touchdown drive. While the Steelers have come on strong of late, they’re still a mediocre team, ranking 18th in efficiency in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. The Ravens’ defense, kicker Justin Tucker and a poised performance from Huntley should be enough.
Tim Schwartz, editor
Steelers 17, Ravens 14: The Ravens got one good drive from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley last week to beat the lowly Broncos. They’ll need at least a few more Sunday to beat the Steelers, who, don’t look now, have won three of four. I suspect the Ravens’ defense to give rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett fits, but I don’t see Huntley doing enough to win in Pittsburgh. I’ll believe in the Ravens with Huntley under center once they prove they can get their running game going again, but until then, it might be tough sledding for Baltimore.
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