SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WEEK 18 GAME 1: PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

BY ADAM GREENE

For the Baltimore Ravens, who have already clinched home field advantage and beaten every other legit Super Bowl contender on the planet, this Saturday afternoon contest is completely meaningless. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it means a lot as they vie for their playoff lives on the road in this Saturday NFL special.

Considering how good the Ravens have been over the last two decades, this hasn’t been much of a rivalry. The Steelers hold a 34-25 advantage in the series and have won six of the last seven matchups, including a 17-10 victory this season back on Oct. 8. In the win, Kenny Pickett (who isn’t starting Saturday) was 18 of 32 passing for 224 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Jaylen Warren rushed nine times for 40 yards. George Pickens caught six passes for 130 yards and a score.

In the loss, Lamar Jackson was 22 of 38 passing for 236 yards, no TDs and a pick. He rushed six times for 45 yards. Gus Edwards had 12 carries for 48 yards. Zay Flowers had five receptions for 73 yards. Mark Andrews (now out for the year) caught six passes for 65 yards.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (+4, O/U: 35.5)

Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.

Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+

Kickoff: Jan. 6, 4:30 p.m.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9-7)

Last week the Steelers ensured Mike Tomlin would keep his streak of non-losing seasons intact, beating the Seattle Seahawks 30-23. Mason Rudolph, in his second start of 2023-23, was 18 of 24 passing for 274 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in the win. He was sacked once. Najee Harris rushed 27 times for 122 yards and two scores. Jaylen Warren had 13 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown. George Pickens hauled in seven passes for 131 yards. Diontae Johnson caught four passes for 76 yards. The defense held the Seahawks to just 88 total yards on the ground and sacked Geno Smith once.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (13-3)

The Ravens punched every conceivable ticket they had left to punch and knocked the Miami Dolphins teeth out in the process, winning 56-19 last Sunday. If you’re keeping track, that’s the second straight potential contender Baltimore has blown off the field. Lamar Jackosn was 18 of 21 passing for 321 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. He rushed for 35 yards and was sacked once. Gus Edwards rushed 16 times for 68 yards and a score. Melvin Gordon had six carries for 10 yards and a TD. Zay Flowers caught three passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Justic Hill had five receptions for 64 yards and a score.

THE PICK

The math isn’t simple for the Steelers here, but the game itself might turn out to be relatively easy. Baltimore, rightly, is resting its key starters as they are playing for nothing in this game. Pittsburgh has to win and hope the Buffalo Bills lose Sunday night to make the postseason. I think they take care of the first part of that math problem. I’m not so sure about the second. Steelers 23, Ravens 17

Last week

Straight up: 13-3

Against the spread: 10-6

Season

Straight up: 137-77

Against the spread: 120-94

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