To get you ready for week 17, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Pittsburgh Steelers/Baltimore Ravens preview.2007 Records:
Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-5 (AFC North Champions, hosting game Wild Card Weekend)
Baltimore Ravens: 4-11 (Last in AFC North)
Last Week:
Steelers 41, Rams 24
Seahawks 27, Ravens 6
When the Steelers have the ball: The Steelers have nothing to play for this week which is a good thing. They are mighty banged up on offense and will take the free week to rest Ben Roethlisberger and get Najeh Davenport fully integrated as the starting tailback. Marvel Smith won't be at left tackle, Hines Ward probably won't play that much and anyone else of import will likely be shackled to the bench before the game is settled. Even without so many of their stars, the Steelers should be able to score points. The Ravens won't have Chris McAlister or Samari Rolle and will probably not push ailing players like Ray Lewis, Kelly Gregg or Terrell Suggs too hard in a meaningless game. That should mean plenty of opportunities for Davenport and Charlie Batch.
When the Ravens have the ball: Not much more in the cupboard here for the Baltimore side. No Todd Heap, Willis McGahee or Kyle Boller which should provide the struggling Steeler defense with a confidence boost. Troy Polamalu probably won't play for Pittsburgh, not the worst thing since Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter definitely need the work if their secondary is going to carry them anywhere worthwhile in the postseason. The only people interested in the Ravens offense will likely be members of Derrick Mason's family. The receiver needs three catches for 100 on the season, a laudable individual milestone amid the wreckage.
The Edge: While the Steelers are hoping to avoid any more injuries that could hamstring them come next week, the Ravens are just trying to avoid playing football. They essentially folded their tents after the Patriot game and have turned in stomach turning performances since then. There's no reason to expect them to show up on Sunday.
Keep an eye on:
Jonathan Ogden - If the future Hall of Famer gives it a go on Sunday, no guarantee on him either, it could be his final game in the NFL. This season is an awful way for such a great player to go out, so here's hoping we see more of Ogden in '08.
Something else - Honestly, take the kids to the park or take the wife to a movie and dinner. There won't be anything worth your time in this contest.
