Ravens vs. Steelers predictions: Ebony Bird round table

Site Expert, Richard Bradshaw makes his pick:

The Pittsburgh Steelers will always be a tough out for the Baltimore Ravens, no matter how good or bad they may be. The 2019 Steelers fall closer to the latter rather than the former, however that does not mean they can be overlooked.

Pittsburgh maintains a great defense led by its ferocious pass rush. T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward will be a handful for Baltimore and its offensive line all afternoon. The addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick will make throwing on the Steelers a tad more difficult as well. Fitzpatrick joins Joe Haden and Mike Hilton to give them a great corner trio; good enough to perhaps slow down Marquise Brown and co.

Still, the Ravens are enjoying the best rushing game in the NFL this season and should lean on Mark Ingram heavily. Ingram can carry this team to a victory with his punishing running style. Wearing down Pittsburgh’s defense and chewing up clock will be vital.

The biggest X-factor in this game will be whether or not the Baltimore Ravens defense decides to show up. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has left a lot to be desired this season. With the way the Ravens offense has played, they can get a lead early and place the rest of the game in their defense. In year’s past this would be an obvious way to victory, but 2019 is a different story…

Holding the Steelers to 20-or-less points will lead to a win, but the defense needs to make a statement this game. I don’t see this being their breakout performance, however, and believe that the run-game will power them to a win instead.

Bold prediction: Baltimore rushes for over 200-yards

Final score: 23-20 Ravens