The Ravens are super hot as they’ve won 2 games in a row and 7 of their last 8 games.  The Steelers have won three in a row and 5 of their last 6 games.  The Steelers have won the last three games by a combined score of 84-13!  The problem for them is that they will be facing Steve McNair instead of Bruce Gradkowski, Derek Anderson and Chris Weinke.

The Ravens will probably try to run the ball with Jamal Lewis (986 yards rushing) against a Steelers defense that has allowed 90.4 yards rushing per game and 3.5 yards per carry.  The Ravens offensive line has been great in protecting the QB as they’ve only allowed 17 sacks so far this season.  If they pick up the blitz well, which is the Steelers only strength on defense, Steve McNair will torch the Steelers very average secondary.  The Ravens like to spread the ball around in the passing game to TE Todd Heap and WRs Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason.

The reason the Steelers have started winning lately is that they’ve gone back to playing Steelers’ football, which is running the ball and playing good defense.  They will attempt to do the same thing this Sunday against the Ravens.  That will be easier said than done as the Ravens are only allowing 79.4 yards rushing and 3.3 yards per carry.  Willie Parker (1,331 yards rushing) has been outstanding running the ball at home, so something will have to give in this game.  The Steelers must be able to run the ball for Ben Roethlisberger to have any chance at success throwing the ball in this football game.  Roethlisberger was sacked 9 times in the first meeting, so the Steelers would be smart to run shorter patterns.

The Steelers have played well at home this season, but the Ravens have played well everywhere.  The Steelers just don’t match up well with the Ravens who thumped them 27-0 just 4 weeks ago.  The game will be closer this time, but the Ravens will complete the season sweep with a win in Pittsburgh on Sunday.