AFC Divisional Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens (13-4) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Date: Saturday, January 15th, 2011
Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
The NFL divisional playoffs begin with an AFC North battle between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. The winner will move on to the AFC Conference Championship against either the New England Patriots or New York Jets.
Baltimore and Pittsburgh split their regular season matchups, with the road team winning both games. The Steelers are 13-9 against Baltimore since 2001 and their most recent postseason win over the Ravens came in 2009. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed the first four games of the season, yet still threw for 3,200 yards and 17 touchdowns. Mike Wallace was his top receiver, finishing with 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns. Running back Rashard Mendenhall was key all season and finished with 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The teams are evenly matched. Baltimore is averaging 322 total yards per game and Pittsburgh is averaging 346. Both average around 120 rushing yards per game. The Steelers are actually the best team in the NFL against he run, allowing 62.8 yards per game. The Ravens yield 93.9 per game. Joe Flacco doesn’t put up the gaudy numbers you will find with other quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs, but he consistently delivers on what is asked of him. He finished with 3,622 yards and 25 touchdowns. His top receiver was Anquan Boldin, who led the team with 837 yards and seven touchdowns.
My Pick: While the numbers suggest an even match, Pittsburgh is too good at home, especially in the playoffs. Baltimore will keep it close but my online sports bet is a Steelers 24-17 win.
Money Line (odds provided by Ladbrokes)
Baltimore: 29/20
Pittsburgh: 20/33
Point Spread: Pittsburgh -3
Over/Under: 37