The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on the playoff-focused track after another big-time win last weekend. (Getty)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been through a lot this season.
Injuries to some of the team’s biggest name star haven’t hindered the Steelers (too much) and, somehow, Pittsburgh is still very much in control of its own postseason fate. In fact, this weekend, the Steelers can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s a rematch of a game, the Steelers would very much like back. Pittsburgh lost in OT after kicker Josh Scobee missed his final two field goals attempts in the fourth quarter. In other words, there are just a few emotions riding on this one.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 16 divisional tilt, including a look at the early-week odds via OddsShark.com:
Game Info
Kamar Aiken has been one of the few offensive bright spots for the Baltimore Redskins this season. (Getty)
Line: Pittsburgh -10
Moneyline: Pittsburgh -510, Baltimore +380
Total: 48.5
What To Watch For
Ben Roethlisberger has been great, but now he’s starting to get some support from his defense as well. (Getty)
It’s taken some time, but the Pittsburgh Steelers defense finally stepped up to the metaphorical football plate.
After letting Brock Osweiler throw for three touchdown and rush for another in the first half last week, Pittsburgh locked down and grabbed a much-needed victory over the Denver Broncos.
Coming into Sunday afternoon’s Week 16 tilt against the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers are now a top-10 defense in both sacks and turnovers, but the passing game has been bad. Pittsburgh has been giving up close to 300 yards passing per game for several weeks and if this team is going to make a deep playoff run, that simply can’t happen.
“We’ve been battle-tested,” defensive end Cam Heyward told ESPN. “We’ve had some games where it came down to getting one more stop, especially that Baltimore Ravens game. We kept saying to each other, it doesn’t matter how many plays we get, we have to keep dominating.”
The key for Pittsburgh is to get on and off the field quickly. Eliminate opportunities for other teams to move the ball and get that same ball back in the hands of the Steelers very capable offense.
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