Aaron Feldstein - AccuScore Analyst

It was once written that the NFC North was the Black and Blue division. It can be said that the AFC North has taken that title and it’s because of two teams – the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens and Steelers are one and two in total defense. Both teams are allowing less than 13 points per game and lowest in yards allowed. These two defensive behemoths will square off on Monday Night in a battle for first place in the AFC North.

The Steelers come into the game with numerous injuries to key players. Willie Parker is out with a sprained knee which means rookie Rashard Mendenhall gets his first NFL start – against the No. 1 rushing defense. The Illini alum is projected to struggle, with only a 19.4 percent chance of rushing for more than 80 yards.

The other burning question is what kind of shape will Ben Roethlisberger be in? After all, his offensive line allowed the Eagles to sack him eight times in last week’s lost. The Ravens will bring the house and are forecasted to get over three sacks, more than one interception and at least two turnovers. Despite the pressure, AccuScore projects Roethlisberger to throw for 220 yards and has an 82.5 percent chance of throwing one or more touchdowns.

The Ravens offense has struggled this season with rookie Joe Flacco behind center. Despite the 2-0 record, Baltimore doesn’t have one touchdown catch (5 rushing, one defensive). On Monday Night, Flacco has a 52.2 percent chance of getting that first passing touchdown to go along with the 38-yard touchdown run he had in week one.

Defense should dominate this match as each team is projected to force at least two turnovers each. AccuScore projects a Steelers victory on Monday by an average score of 20.4 to 16. With a projection of a total of 7.4 sacks, 2.2 interceptions and 2 fumbles combined by these defensive units, this Monday match-up is going to be a brutal one.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Title

Comment

Add Comment