NFL
The Steelers Travel To Baltimore For Round Two Of The NFL’s Greatest Rivalry
The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2-1) and the Baltimore Ravens (4-4) meet for the second time in the 2018 NFL season. When these teams squared off in Week 4, Baltimore secured a 26-14 victory. Additionally, Pittsburgh will now have to travel to Baltimore for round two.
The Ravens are 7-0 at home against AFC North opponents in November during the Harbaugh era. They have the Steelers and Bengals at home next in two critical games.
Let's hope history repeats itself.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 31, 2018
The Power Of Momentum
Pittsburgh Steelers
Just three weeks ago, the AFC North looked like it would be a “two-horse race” between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals. Yet here in Week 9, coming off a three-game win streak, Pittsburgh leads the AFC North.
Steelers’ running back James Conner decimated the Cleveland Browns for 212 total yards and two touchdowns in the 33-18 victory. In fact, Conner was just named AFC offensive player of the month.
Steelers’ wide receiver Antonio Brown would also secure two touchdowns in the victory.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are on their heels coming off of a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens’ defense was nuked for 386 total yards and 36 points. Quarterback Cam Newton totaled 271 yards and four touchdowns in the victory.
Additionally, the offense failed to generate much explosiveness either. Breakout wide receiver John Brown managed to corral only three receptions for a meager 28 yards. Quarterback Joe Flacco would also turn the ball over twice.
Keys To The Game
Pittsburgh Steelers
When the Steelers met the Ravens in Week 4, the offense was expected to be dominant. However, a Steelers fumble, as well as two quick Baltimore touchdowns had the team playing from behind the entire game. As a result, Pittsburgh will come into this game with a game plan that will be much more beneficial.
For Pittsburgh to secure a win in Week 9, they must dominate the time of possession. In the previous matchup between the two, Baltimore held the ball for over ten minutes more than Pittsburgh. Running back James Conner totaled only 44 yards in the matchup.
Having Conner dominate against Baltimore’s 11th ranking run defense would open up the passing game for the Steelers. Opening the passing game would benefit Steelers’ wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster dramatically. Look for Pittsburgh to feed Smith-Schuster after an underwhelming 33-yard performance in Week 8.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore made a statement with its 12-point victory in Week 4 against Pittsburgh. However, the team has been a horrid 1-3 since Week 4. This team needs to build some momentum, and fast. It’s apparent that the Baltimore offense needs more explosive plays.
Baltimore had only one play over 20 yards, a 26-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Lamar Jackson to tight end Hayden Hurst, in the 21-36 defeat.
Cam Newton was very efficient during last Sunday’s matchup. The Baltimore pass rush has to improve if they want to compete with Super Bowl contenders like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fantasy Implications
Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver John Brown is a mid-tier flex play given that he totaled over 20 fantasy points against the Steelers in Week 4. Baltimore Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker is a must-start every week in fantasy.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has high-end QB2 value in two-quarterback leagues. Steelers’ running back James Conner and wide receiver Antonio Brown are regulars within the fantasy lineup.
Both Steelers will give fantasy owners an upper hand. Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has “sneaky” WR2 value going into the Week 9 matchup.
Photo Credit
Featured Image courtesy of Keith Allison
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