Steelers vs. Ravens: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

The NFL set up a compelling nightcap to its three-game Thanksgiving schedule, as the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday night. 

There's nothing better than watching two teams beat the living hell out of one another while sitting on your couch at home, filled to the gills with turkey, stuffing and whatever else fit into your gullet. These two AFC North teams always play one another tough, and this is the perfect game to close out the special day.

Both teams enter the game trailing the Cincinnati Bengals by two games in the division with records of 5-6, and they're both on the outside looking in with regard to the AFC playoff race, trailing Tennessee by way of a tiebreaker. 

Pittsburgh has won three games in a row leading up to Thursday's game and most recently took down the Cleveland Browns 27-11 on the road. The Ravens also scored a win over the weekend, but Baltimore has lost four of its last six games. 

The crowd in Baltimore will be amped up for this game. The last time the Ravens played on Thanksgiving, which was at home in 2011, they dominated the San Francisco 49ers thanks to a devastating display of pass-rushing by Baltimore's front line.

Here's a look at when and where you can catch the action, followed by injury reports for both teams, a closer examination of the biggest key to the game and a final prediction. 

When: Thursday, Nov. 28, at 8:30 p.m. ET

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Covers) 

• Over/Under: 40.5 points
• Spread: Baltimore (-3)

Steelers Injury Report (via Steelers.com)

NAME	POSITION	INJURY	MON.	TUE.	WED.	GAME STATUS
Brown, Curtis	DB	Knee	Out	-	-	-
Gilbert, Marcus	T	Ankle	-	LP	-	-
Keisel, Brett	DE	Foot	FP	FP	-	-
McLendon, Steve	DT	Ankle	Out	Out	-	-
Miller, Heath	TE	Not Injury Related	-	LP	-	-
Polamalu, Troy	SS	Not Injury Related	-	LP	-	-
Sylvester, Stevenson	ILB	Hamstring	LP	FP	-	-
Thomas, Shamarko	S	Ankle	FP	FP	-	-
Woodley, LaMarr	OLB	Calf	FP	LP	-	-

Ravens Injury Report (via BaltimoreRavens.com)

NAME	POSITION	INJURY	MON.	TUE.	WED.	GAME STATUS
Canty, Chris	DL	Shoulder	LP	LP	-	-
Trawick, Brynden	S	Ankle	DNP	DNP	-	-

How Will Pittsburgh's Offensive Line Handle Baltimore's Pass-Rushers?

Pittsburgh comes into Baltimore this week with the league's fifth-worst offensive line in terms of protecting the passer, having allowed 37 sacks already this year. Like we've seen continuously the past few seasons, Ben Roethlisberger has gotten pounded on a regular basis.

Remarkably, he's managed to have a solid season for the Steelers despite the lack of protection, passing for 3,118 yards and 19 touchdowns. Roethlisberger comes into this contest having thrown six touchdowns without an interception the past two games.

Baltimore's defense has accumulated 37 sacks this year, which is tied for the league lead.

Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil have proved to be a formidable pass-rushing duo for the Ravens, combining for 18.5 sacks off the edge this season, but they're not the only men getting the job done. Five other defenders have registered at least two sacks, led by defensive end Arthur Jones (four) and inside linebacker Daryl Smith (3.5). 

If the Ravens can wreak havoc on Pittsburgh's porous offensive line, sacking Roethlisberger early and often, then this game is Baltimore's for the taking. 

Prediction

Nobody should expect a blowout, and it's likely this game won't be decided until the bitter end. 

The Steelers escaped with a narrow 19-16 victory at home against the Ravens back in Week 7, and a similarly tight game is on the menu this week. 

Neither team runs the ball well, but Baltimore's defense is far more adept at shutting down teams on the ground. Roethlisberger is the hotter quarterback over Joe Flacco, but he's going to be under constant pressure Thursday night, which will likely result in a turnover or two. 

Provided Joe Flacco doesn't throw the game away, the Ravens should prevail at home on a short week. 

Final Score 

Ravens win 24-17.

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