Baltimore Ravens And Pittsburgh Steelers both entered Thanksgiving weekend with identical 6–5 records. Both had the opportunity to solidify their position as the top team in the AFC North. Both teams failed.
On Thanksgiving night, the Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, a team many thought was better than them.. Three days later, the Steelers had the opportunity to play against Buffalo Billsand they ruined it. Both teams are tied at .500 with five games remaining.
Advertising
Two of these games force them to cross paths. The first of the pair will appear in week 14 on Sunday. The stakes couldn't get any higher. The winner takes advantage of one game over the other and is decisive for the tiebreaker.
It feels like Crows are the best team, but you can never predict how these competitive games will go. This won't stop us from guessing. Here are some bold predictions for Sunday's matchup.
LaMere Jackson throws two touchdowns and Derrick Henry runs for another.
If you've been paying attention, you'll notice that we often try to predict the performance of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. This didn't go very well. It seems like one or the other is always happy to let us down.
Advertising
If Lamar passes for a TD, King Henry will have a hard time finding the end zone. Then, as if on cue, Henry gets hot and Lamar seems to lose his mojo.
Jackson hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in any of his last three games, but who's counting? Henry has scored at least one touchdown in each of the last three games. This is where the guys synchronize. How about a couple passes to Jackson and another quick goal from Derrick Henry?
The Ravens gained 450 yards of total offense.
When the scoring is high, hard and frequent, it looks like the offense is having a really good day. The Steelers often have no problem getting permission to do this. They can be generous, and with the Christmas holiday approaching, they will be festive and in good spirits – a 450-yard figure for Baltimore's offense and some newfound faith in offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Advertising
Baltimore's defense committed three turnovers.
When Aaron Rodgers starts playing football, his generosity towards opposing defenses knows no end. He's thrown two interceptions in the same game three times this season: in weeks two, seven and ten.
He hasn't thrown a punt since, but in Week 13 he coughed up a fumble. This is his first loss, which he has made along with seven picks in 11 games. It feels like he's due to come, and with his left wrist bothering him, there's a chance he's more prone to mistakes, especially if he turns into another Aaron Rodgers. You know that guy who looks 42 and growing.
The Ravens limit the Steelers to 20 points or less.
The Steelers have surpassed the 20-point threshold in every game played this season, minus-three, but this looks like the right game for the Ravens after their home loss to the Ravens. Cincinnati Bengals. Expect a more impressive outing and entertainment after the game.
Advertising
Mike Tomlin had a breakdown after the game in the press conference.
Rivalry aside, coaches don't get any cooler than Mike Tomlin. No one could be more interesting (or more honest) in front of the microphone. Ravens win is loading. Same with Tomlin's viral moment, and damn. We can't wait to see both when they happen.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Bold predictions for the Ravens and Steelers as they battle for control of the AFC North
