The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Week 17 knowing what would happen in the future. A win would put them against the six seed in the playoffs, a loss would put them against the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens' situation wasn't so simple. They knew they needed a win and a Chargers' loss to get in the playoffs, but they had a chance to play the Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, or Denver Broncos. At the end of the day, we were left with good old-fashion Ravens against Steelers. 

The two matchups between these teams this year were both blowouts; the Ravens winning by 20 in Week 2, the Steelers winning by 20 in Week 9. So, what should be expected this time around? History says the Steelers will win, as they are 3-0 all time at home against Baltimore in the playoffs. 

The biggest storyline coming into this game is that Le'Veon Bell's status for the game is unknown, after suffering a hyperextended knee in the Week 17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh's medical staff can't really treat the injury, they and Bell will just have to wait it out. Unfortunately, there is not much time for him to wait, so the Steelers are planning as if he will not play. They went out and signed veteran running back Ben Tate off of Waivers on Tuesday. Tate was waived by the Cleveland Browns earlier this season. Though he is no Le'Veon Bell, he is definitely an upgrade over Josh Harris and Dri Archer, who will still likely see some snaps against Baltimore. 

With the running back situation, Ben Roethlisberger may have to throw the ball more than usual. That might not be a bad thing with the struggling secondary or the Ravens. However, the Steelers will need their receivers to step up and make plays. Baltimore will key on Antonio Brown, so guys like Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, and Heath Miller will need to step up and make catches when they are called upon. Still expect Brown to be the best receiver in the game, though.

Baltimore should utilize the same strategy that Pittsburgh will probably use, attack the secondary. Luckily for them, their running back isn't hurt. So, look for the Ravens to run the ball early with Justin Forsett and then try to take the top off of the Steelers' lackluster secondary with someone like Torrey Smith or Jacoby Jones. Taking deep shots to the end zone will be the smartest thing for Joe Flacco and company to do. 

Defensively, the Steelers will need to do their best to put pressure on Joe Flacco. Their secondary is not good enough to stop Ravens' receivers if Flacco has all the time he wants. James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, Jason Worlids, and Cam Heyward will all need to play great and make big plays when needed. The Steelers' defense has won them games this year, but they've also lost the team some games, too. So, the play of the defense, especially in the fourth quarter, could decide this game.

Baltimore will need a huge game out of their front seven as well. They are in the same situation as Pittsburgh; needing to pressure the quarterback to prevent their secondary from getting shredded. With Haloti Ngata's suspension now complete, he will join C.J. Mosely, Terrell Suggs, Pernell McPhee, and Elvis Dumervil to get after Ben Roethlisberger. Especially if Le'Veon Bell does not play, Baltimore will look to blitz a lot because Tate, Harris, and Archer can't pickup blitzes near as well as Bell. 

Both teams will need to do the same things right to win a game with their backs against the wall. Any Ravens-Steelers game is fun to look, but this one should be a great matchup. The favorite seems to be Pittsburgh, but anything can happen come playoff time in the NFL. 

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