The Baltimore Ravens will look to sweep the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, finishing their regular season campaign in Week 17 against their division rival. But both teams will be without key contributors that could make this a more sluggish affair.
The Ravens are resting several starters with the No. 1 seed already locked up, giving them two weeks without any gameday action. The Steelers are banged up and have already ruled out starting center Maurkice Pouncey and running back James Conner.
So our bold predictions for this week reflect the change in rosters, giving us some new names to focus on. Take a look at what the writers here at Ravens Wire believe could happen this week.
Matthew Stevens:
Justice Hill has his first 100-yard game on the ground
I’ve been a big fan of Hill after seeing him play in Baltimore. In spite of his smaller stature, Hill has shown enough grit and power to go along with his speed and that makes him very dangerous. With Mark Ingram sitting out and Gus Edwards potentially seeing a smaller snap count this week, the Ravens’ rushing attack should fall on Hill’s shoulders, especially if he starts out strong.
Hill breaks off a few big runs and gets enough carries to go over 100 rushing yards in this game, which bookends his first career touchdown run from last week.
Alex Bente:
The Ravens’ defense doesn’t allow a Steelers touchdown
With all the talk of Baltimore resting key starters in what has become a meaningless game for the Super Bowl favorites, people may forget how young and talented the Ravens have proven to be this season. With the Steelers’ offense down to their third-string QB officially and lack of a prominent deep threat, even a short-handed Ravens defense should have little trouble keeping their foe one dimensional and holding them in check. A Baltimore victory on Sunday would also all but ruin Pittsburgh’s post-season hopes; added incentive for Don Martindale and company to dial up the punishment.
Kevin Oestreicher:
Trace McSorley has more passing yards than Robert Griffin III
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that RGIII and McSorley get the same amount of playing time as Baltimore looks to see what they have in the rookie out of Penn State. As Griffin could be traded next offseason into a situation he can be a starter, I believe Baltimore will want to get a look at McSorley in extended action.
I think McSorley impresses and makes the most of his opportunity and that includes him having more passing yards than his veteran counterpart.
Neil Dutton:
150 yards from scrimmage for Justice Hill
With Mark Ingram sidelined, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill will share the backfield duties for Baltimore. But it will be the rookie who will make the most of his opportunities both in the rushing and receiving departments. Hill will be a constant thorn in the Steelers side on Sunday and will go over 150 yards from scrimmage thanks in large part to his yards through the air
Joe Serpico:
Defense limits Pittsburgh to under 200 yards of offense
All the talk is about Baltimore playing backups but let’s not forget that Pittsburgh is banged up at key positions on offense as well. They will be without their starting center, running back, and quarterback as well. The Steelers will struggle to move the ball even without the Ravens’ help.
