The undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving Day in a classic AFC North matchup.
The Steelers will look to improve to 11-0 on the season and sweep the season series against the Ravens, who are 6-4 and have lost three out of their last four games. Baltimore lost to the Steelers in Week 8, the New England Patriots in Week 10 and the Tennessee Titans in Week 11.
With the Steelers-Ravens game almost here, let's take a look at four bold predictions for the contest from a Pittsburgh point of view.
1. Ben Roethlisberger throws three touchdowns
In Week 8 against the Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a 28-24 win on the road. The two-time Super Bowl champion completed 21-of-32 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns.
While the Ravens have one of the best defenses in the NFL, we have Roethlisberger throwing three touchdowns versus Baltimore. Big Ben told Steelers reporters after the team's Week 11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars that he needs to play better and the offense has to put up more points. It was an interesting comment since the Steelers scored 27 points versus the Jaguars and are the only undefeated team left in the NFL.
The Ravens-Steelers game will be on national television and Roethlisberger has a history of playing well in primetime games. With that being said, we have Roethlisberger having a stellar performance in Week 12 for his fantasy owners.
2. Chase Claypool catches two touchdowns
Steelers rookie wideout Chase Claypool is having a tremendous first season in the NFL. The 22-year-old has 39 receptions for 559 yards and eight touchdowns.
Pittsburgh has to be so thankful Claypool fell to them in the 2020 draft. He was the 49th overall pick out of Notre Dame.
In Week 8 against the Ravens, Claypool had five catches on nine targets for 42 yards and one score. We have the explosive youngster catching two touchdowns in Week 12 and cementing himself as the best rookie in the NFL. Now that Cincinnati Bengals gunslinger Joe Burrow is out for the season with a terrible knee injury, Claypool has a real shot at winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
When you watch Claypool play, he doesn't move like a rookie at all. Could the Steelers have the second coming of Antonio Brown (with a guy who has his head on a swivel)? Only time will tell, but it appears Claypool is destined for greatness in the NFL.
3. Steelers pick off Lamar Jackson twice
Lamar Jackson, the reigning MVP, turned the ball over four times in Week 8 against the Steelers. He threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.
For whatever reason, Jackson isn't scaring opposing defenses this season, especially in the passing game. With that being said, we have the vaunted Steelers defense picking off Jackson twice in Week 12. Pittsburgh already has 15 interceptions on the season, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick's four.
The Steelers have forced a turnover in every game this season except for Week 7 against the Titans. They are playing unbelievable defense and have been making things difficult for opposing quarterbacks for four quarters. We expect that to continue in Week 12 against Jackson and the Ravens, who are reeling right now and aren't playing with a lot of confidence on the offensive side of the ball.
4. Steelers defeat Ravens to stay undefeated on the season
This Pittsburgh team could potentially go down as the best club in franchise history, which is no small feat since the Steelers are one of the most storied teams in NFL history. Head coach Mike Tomlin and Roethlisberger are two of the best leaders in the NFL and have the guys in Pittsburgh playing inspired football on both sides of the ball.
With that being said, we have the Steelers defeating the Ravens in Week 12 on primetime television to improve to 11-0 on the season. While the team may not be focused on going 16-0, it is certainly in the back of the players' minds since they are getting close to that feat.
The Steelers are a complete football team from top to bottom. Even when they don't play their best ball, the club still finds a way to come out with a win. That's a sign of a well-coached football team. Tomlin should be running away with the Coach of the Year voting with the way he's been leading his troops since day one of the 2020 season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are still universally recognized as the best team in the NFL since they have the top quarterback in Patrick Mahomes and are the reigning Super Bowl champions. However, don't sleep on the Steelers, especially once the playoffs start.
Follow Us
Subscribe