Ravens vs. Steelers: Everything You Need to Know

Basics
TV: CBS/WJZ (Ch. 13)
TV Crew: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst), Evan Washburn (sideline)
TV Coverage: View Map 
Radio: 98 Rock | WBAL-1090 AM | Sports USA
Local Radio Crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Stan White (analyst), Dennis Pitta (analyst) 
National Radio Crew: Larry Kahn (play-by-play), Hank Bauer (analyst)
Game Time: Sunday, Oct. 1; 1 p.m. ET
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Jersey Color: Black
Referee Crew: Walt Anderson

StakesIt's only Week 4, but this game already has huge implications. The Ravens and Steelers both enter the game with 2-1 records. The winner will take the lead in the AFC North standings, giving it an early leg up in a two-team division race (at this point). Plus, it's a big game in terms of seeing how each team will rebound from embarrassing losses. The Ravens got blown out by the Jaguars in London and the Steelers were toppled by the Bears in Chicago.

History
The Steelers haven't won in M&T Bank Stadium since 2012. With that said, this is an extremely balanced rivalry. Pittsburgh leads the regular-season series 22-20. Baltimore has won five of the past seven games. Since 2008, 12 of the last 18 meetings have been decided by three or fewer points. Last year, the teams split the season series with the Ravens winning in Baltimore, 21-14. The Steelers won the rematch on Christmas Day, eliminating the Ravens from playoff contention.

Key Storylines

Can Flacco Get the Offense Going?
Quarterback Joe Flacco had the worst statistical performance of his career in London, throwing for just 28 yards and posting his lowest quarterback rating (12.0). In order to turn those numbers around, the Ravens know they have to run the ball better, get their wide receivers involved (11 combined catches among the top three) and give Flacco more time to throw.

Defensive Rebound vs. Talented Steelers?
Baltimore's defense got 10 turnovers and put pressure on quarterbacks in the first two weeks, but didn't make life so difficult for Jags quarterback Blake Bortles. The Ravens didn't get any turnovers or sacks in London. The Ravens like to get after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but Pittsburgh has weapons to make teams pay. While the Steelers have chided themselves this week for not playing up to their offensive potential, the trio of Roethlisberger, wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le'Veon Bell can still gash a team at a moment's notice.

The Turnover Battle
Flacco has the NFL's longest streak of consecutive games with at least one interception thrown (nine). He tossed two against the Jaguars. Baltimore's defense didn't have the intensity it needed, according to Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees, to get the turnovers it had in the first two weeks. In 22 career games against the Ravens, including the playoffs, Roethlisberger has thrown 23 interceptions. The Ravens need to win the turnover battle.

Matchups to Watch

Ravens Corners vs. WR Antonio BrownBrown leads the NFL with 354 receiving yards. He also has the most targets (36). Pittsburgh's offense leans on Brown to do just about everything, from moving the chains to making big plays. The Ravens have had mixed results against him. It remains to be seen whether one cornerback will be assigned to him or whether Baltimore will share the responsibility.

LB C.J. Mosley vs. RB Le'Veon Bell
One of the most talented running backs in the league, Bell has gotten off to a slow start this season but can wreck a game if given the chance. Now without defensive tackle Brandon Williams and defensive end Brent Urban, the Ravens are going to have their hands full stopping the run. Mosley needs to be everywhere, yet still be just as patient as Bell, who has a unique running style. Mosley will also be tasked with limiting Bell's effectiveness as a receiver out of the backfield.

WR Mike Wallace vs. CB Joe Haden
Haden went from the Cleveland Browns to the Steelers this offseason, and is a big reason why Pittsburgh now has the league's No. 2-ranked pass defense. Wallace is looking to break out after posting just three catches for 21 yards so far this season. Flacco was clear this week in saying the Ravens need to get their wide receivers more involved.