Oct 19, 2013 4 min read

For years, the Steelers and Ravens have been near mirror images of each other. This season is no different, particularly on offense, despite the 3-3 record of Baltimore and the 1-4 mark the Steelers currently own.

Need proof? Try these stats on for size.

The Steelers average 338.6 yards per game. Baltimore is at 335.7.

The Steelers average 61 yards rushing per game and 3.1 yards per carry. Baltimore is at 72.7 yards per game and 2.7 yards per carry.

The Steelers have allowed 19 sacks. So have the Ravens, albeit in one more game.

So what we have today at Heinz Field are a pair of nearly identical offenses.

Defense is where there’s a difference.

The Ravens have been decent against the run, allowing 98.2 yards per game, while the Steelers have been uncharacteristically bad, giving up 114.8 per game.

But Pittsburgh has a better pass defense, allowing 196 yards per game compared to 254.3 for Baltimore.

What does this mean?

Another close game between the Ravens and Steelers.

Since John Harbaugh became head coach of the Ravens in 2008, the Steelers and Ravens have met 12 times. Of those games, 10 have been decided by a touchdown or less, with eight being decided by three points or fewer.

Today should be no different.

The two teams split their season series last season, with Baltimore beating the Steelers and Byron Leftwich in Pittsburgh, 13-10, and the Steelers returning the favor behind Charlie Batch in Baltimore, 20-17.

In fact, Baltimore has won three of its past four in Pittsburgh, while the Steelers have won three of five at M&T Stadium against the Ravens.

Pittsburgh is 0-2 at home this season and in danger of putting up its worst home record since Heinz Stadium was built. That mark, 4-4, came in 2002 in a 6-10 season.

The Ravens, meanwhile, are 1-2 on the road.

The Steelers will have Ben Roethlisberger back for this game after he missed both meetings with Baltimore last season. Roethlisberger is 9-5 in his career against the Ravens. Baltimore’s Joe Flacco is 5-5 against Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s a 2-point favorite, and when the talent is close, as it is here, go with the home team, which also happens to have the better quarterback.

Take the Steelers, 20-17

The Falcons have been a mess. The Bucs have been an even bigger one.

Take Atlanta, 26-14

Peyton Manning gets to face his former team in the stadium he “built.” This is like Babe Ruth heading back to New York.

Take Denver, 38-24

Washington’s defense has been horrid. How does defensive coordinator Jim Haslett keep getting jobs?

Take Chicago, 27-24

Packers are tough at home but are also very banged up.

Take Cleveland to cover in a 23-17 loss

Rob Gronkowski set to make his return for the Patriots.

Take the Patriots, 24-17

We’ll see if the fans in Houston are cheering Matt Schaub’s injury after they see what Kansas City’s defense does to his backups.

Take Kansas City, 24-13

The Cowboys scored 38 points in both meetings with the Eagles last season. Both were wins.

Take Dallas, 38-27

Calvin Johnson is expected to be a full participant this week.

Take Detroit, 27-20

History would suggest going against San Diego on the East Coast. But the Jags historically are bad.

Take San Diego, 31-17

It’s time for the Giants to finally get their first win.

Take the Giants, 27-20

Bills will lean on AFC’s best rushing offense (148.3 yards per game). But Miami QB Ryan Tannehill has 7 TD passes in his past four home games.

Take Miami, 24-14

Looks like a mismatch on paper. But the Titans are 4-1-1 against the spread this season.

Take Tennessee to cover in a 24-20 loss

This game seems more like it should be a tossup rather than a 6-point spread.

Take St. Louis to cover in a 20-17 loss

Last Week: 5-9 ATS; 10-4 Straight up

Overall: 32-50-4 ATS; 53-34 Straight up

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.