Baltimore Sun staff picks: Ravens at Steelers

Kevin Cowherd

Ravens 24, Steelers 20


These two teams, in the immortal words of the great Keith Jackson, "just plain don't like each other." But it's harder to like the Steelers to win this game without Ben Roethlisberger. Steelers keep it close, but Ravens prevail.

Edward Lee

Ravens 20, Steelers 16

If Ben Roethlisberger somehow plays, this prediction is toast. But with Byron Leftwich starting, the Ravens should be able to concentrate on stopping the Steelers' run game and do enough on offense to leave with their third win in last four trips to Heinz Field.

Mike Preston

Ravens 21, Steelers 17

If Big Ben was healthy, I would take the Steelers, especially given the way the Ravens play on the road. But without Roethlisberger, the Steelers can't win this one.

Peter Schmuck

Ravens 20, Steelers 16

Suddenly, the momentum in the AFC North has shifted again. Big Ben and the Steelers are banged up and the Ravens have had a big confidence injection in time for this nationally televised showdown.

Matt Vensel

Ravens 20, Steelers 16

The absence of Ben Roethlisberger swings this into Baltimore's favor. And if the Ravens' offense is capable of playing four quality quarters on the road, it's the Steelers who will coax it out of them.

Aaron Wilson

Ravens 24, Steelers 17

Blitzing defense swarms statuesque Byron Leftwich, exploits absense of Ben Roethlisberger as Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Torrey Smith provide enough points for win.

Jeff Zrebiec

Ravens 20, Steelers 16

How much does Ben Roethlisberger matter? Admittedly, if he was healthy, I'd be picking the Steelers by at least a touchdown.