Ravens vs. Steelers: Why Ravens Will Stun Scorching Steelers

100 percent of the pressure is on the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday night's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most of the time, pressure isn't a good opponent to have.  

For this Ravens team, though, the fact that their backs are against the wall will push them to victory.

If the playoffs began before this week’s action, Baltimore would’ve been left out in the cold despite boasting a 5-2 record.  A loss would not only keep it out of the playoff picture, but it would eliminate the tiebreaker that the Ravens gain over the Steelers with a win. 

Pittsburgh is currently the first seed in the AFC with a 6-2 record. A loss wouldn’t boot it out of the playoffs. Not that the Steelers would make excuses, but without key players like LaMarr Woodley, they aren’t even at full strength so, mentally, a loss would mean less.

In Week 1, the Ravens roasted the Steelers 35-7. Baltimore dominated Pittsburgh in every facet of the game. This contest is a must-win for the Ravens and they know they can win big because they've done it.

That’s a dangerous combination for the Steelers.

No one is expecting a similar spread at the end of Sunday night’s battle, not even Baltimore players themselves. In Pittsburgh, the Ravens won’t be able to dominate the Steelers in the same fashion they did in the season opener; it’ll definitely be a nail-biter.

The Steelers are a different team than the one Ravens fans witnessed over a month ago.  Pittsburgh is on a four-game winning streak including victories against the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. It is undefeated at home, so again, there isn’t a chance in the world Baltimore puts up 35 once more.

Ray Lewis and Ed Reed see the light at the end of the tunnel that is their NFL careers. This may be their last chance at an NFL title. Terrell Suggs is the name you’ve heard all week long, but Lewis and Reed will be the ones who make their presence felt on game day the most.

Baltimore wants it more and it needs it more. If it fails to come up victorious, its season is in jeopardy, and that’s why it’ll come out on top.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.  Follow him on Twitter.