Dec 26, 2015 3 min read

The Steelers won’t be watching the scoreboard when they play today at Baltimore.

They don’t need to.

Regardless of what happens with New England’s game at New York against the Jets, the Steelers control their future when it comes to making the AFC playoffs. For Pittsburgh, the task at hand is simple. If the Steelers win their final two games, they will be in the postseason.

Given Baltimore’s current predicament, that win would seem to be a given, though this game has been moved from its previous Sunday night designation to 1 p.m., a time slot that has not been kind to the Steelers in Baltimore. Pittsburgh is 0-4 all-time in 1 p.m. road starts against the Ravens.

But these aren’t your father’s Ravens. Heck, they’re not even the same Ravens from earlier this season. Baltimore has placed an NFL-high 19 players on injured reserve.

The Ravens won’t get any sympathy from the Steelers. Pittsburgh has 16 players on its injured reserve list, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Martavis Bryant each have missed multiple games because of injuries.

Neither Roethlisberger nor Bryant played in Baltimore’s 23-20 overtime win at Pittsburgh earlier this season. Given that Roethlisberger leads the league with 337 passing yards per game and Mike Vick, who started in his place in that game, threw for just 124 against the Ravens, there’s reason to believe the Steelers would have won that game had Roethlisberger played.

The Steelers need to win this one to continue their march to the playoffs.

Pittsburgh is a 10 1/2-point favorite, and considering the Steelers have scored 30 or more points in a team-record six consecutive games, there’s no reason to think that spread is unreasonable.

Baltimore might pull out all the stops in this one, but take Pittsburgh to win, 38-13

The Pats have been favored in 16 consecutive games against the Jets, going 4-10-1 ATS. I’ll go against the trend.

Take New England, 31-20

The Broncos’ defense against young A.J. McCarron? The Bengals are 0-9 all-time at Denver.

Take Denver, 20-10

Tampa Bay’s Lovie Smith gets a shot at his former team.

Take Tampa Bay, 24-20

Johnny Football will not like Arrowhead Stadium.

Take Kansas City, 27-10

Too many points considering the Rams beat the Seahawks earlier this season, 34-31.

Take St. Louis to cover in a 27-20 loss

No Odell Beckham Jr. means no chance for the Giants.

Take Minnesota, 26-17

Packers have qualified for the playoffs but are struggling on offense.

Take Arizona, 30-24

No stumble for the Panthers.

Take Carolina, 31-17

The Cowboys will go with Kellen Moore at QB. Moore is less.

Take Buffalo, 24-10

Drew Brees has a foot injury.

Take Jacksonville, 30-24

The Lions have too much offense for the 49ers.

Take Detroit, 31-16

The Colts are finishing the season with a whimper.

Take Miami, 23-17

Backup quarterbacks have this one off the board.

Take Houston, 20-13

Last week:

10-5 ATS; 11-4 straight up

Overall:

111-92-5 ATS; 136-72 straight up

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