Ravens vs. Steelers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Baltimore Ravens (7-2) head into Pittsburgh and a sea of Terrible Towels to try to wrestle the AFC North away from their division rivals. The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) are merely trying to get a game plan together without their star quarterback in the lineup, all the while fighting for their division title chances.

Like many times before, the Pittsburgh defense will have to protect home field in order for them to claim victory in this Sunday night battle.

This edition of Ravens-Steelers will have a different script than we normally see, where the rivalry may feel empty to some viewers. That’s because someone(s) will be missing in action on the field this Sunday (h/t Baltimore Ravens Official Twitter):

"

For the first time EVER, Ravens-Steelers will be without Ray Lewis, Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward: bmob.us/48w

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 15, 2012"

Have no fear, NFL fans. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry will not be devoid of bone-jarring hits, getting dirty down in the trenches and “three yards and a cloud of dust”. It’s good old-fashioned football, just like grandpa talks about. 

Check out odds, fantasy plays and predictions right below.

When: Sunday, November 18 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: NBC (check local listings)

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Spread: Baltimore (-3.5)

Over/Under: 40 (both via Fox Sports Odds)

Byron Leftwich will make the start for Roethlisberger, who hasn’t made a start since the 2009 season with Tampa Bay. The news of Big Ben’s absence on Sunday night has cause a ripple effect for the odds on this game (h/t Pregame.com’s RJ Bell):

"

Vegas says Big Ben worth 4 points, but line has moved from #Steelers -3.5 to #Ravens -3.5; Overreaction?

— RJ Bell (@RJinVegas) November 14, 2012"

The oddsmakers expect a low-scoring affair, but if the Steelers' defense holds up for its quarterback deficiency, then the under is a sure bet.

Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Co. have been known to play down to opponents and beating the Steelers always seems to be a tough obstacle, no matter the talent discrepancy.

The obvious play in my opinion is the under. These two teams rarely light it up against one another, and a backup quarterback on one end assures that for this contest.

Baltimore Injury Report (via Yahoo! as of Nov. 15, 2012)

Terrell Suggs LB	Probable	Ankle
Ed Reed S	Probable	Shoulder, knee
Michael Oher T	Probable	Ankle
Marshal Yanda G	Questionable	Ankle
Bobbie Williams G	Questionable	Ankle
Haloti Ngata DT	Questionable	Shoulder
Pernell McPhee DE	Out	Thigh

Pittsburgh Injury Report (via Yahoo! as of Nov. 15, 2012)

Shaun Suisham K	Probable	Left ankle
Jonathan Dwyer RB	Probable	Quadriceps
Chris Carter LB	Questionable	Abdomen
Rashard Mendenhall RB	Doubtful	Achilles
Stevenson Sylvester LB	Out	Hamstring
Troy Polamalu S	Out	Calf
Marcus Gilbert T	Out	Ankle
Antonio Brown WR	Out	Ankle
Ben Roethlisberger QB	Day-to-Day	Right shoulder

UPDATE: Roethlisberger’s status looks to be worse than a day-to-day injury (h/t Adam Schefter):

"

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said he does not believe his rib injury is season ending but he is unsure when he'll play again.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 14, 2012"

Fantasy Big Plays

Both Defenses

The Steelers’ defense ranks close to the top in yards per game, pass defense and run defense. They’ve been a fantasy mainstay in starting lineups all season and that shouldn’t stop due to Roethlisberger’s absence. Call them a fantasy must-start as they will be as aggressive as ever in front of a national audience for Sunday Night Football.

The Ravens' defense has fantasy value more from circumstance than talent. The Steelers game plan will change with Leftwich at quarterback, and assuredly big plays down the field will be yesterday’s news.

When Leftwich filled in for Big Ben against Kansas City, Pittsburgh OC Todd Haley focused on a combination of the running game and quick screens to move down the field. They’ll try to mix in a few pass plays down the middle with Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders, but the Steelers’ focus will be on first downs and a ball control game.

That bodes well for leagues that reward for low point totals. Ditto for sack mongers’ Terrel Suggs and Haloti Ngata, who should feast on the immobile Leftwich.

Key to Victory

The Running Game

The running game that can have the most success and control the clock will likely win this rivalry game.

I get all the talk about Joe Flacco and the no-huddle attack changing the dynamics of this matchup, but Dick LeBeau will be dialing up blitz packages all night to prevent plays down the field. So scratch that prediction.

Baltimore will have to break through Pittsburgh’s vaunted run defense to assemble some offensive balance. They certainly have the talent to do so, behind first-day draft picks on the offensive line and slippery tailback Ray Rice.

A battle is exactly what the Steelers are shooting for. They’ll have Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman primed for 20-plus carries apiece if needed, while three yards per play is embedded in their minds as a substantial goal.

Plus, one of two backs has a 100-yard day to supplement the passing game: Redman against the Giants and Dwyer versus the ‘Skins. So hope is not adrift for this Steelers' offense.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 16 Baltimore 13

Call it a gut feeling, but I see the Pittsburgh Steelers taking the “next man up” approach and defending their home turf against Baltimore. Don’t say somebody didn’t warn the masses.

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. He enjoys giving fantasy advice and the NFL Redzone. Follow him on Twitter @TheRealShiek