And Tonight's Winner Is . . .

Good afternoon,

Steelers vs. Ravens does not have the same feel to it this week. It no doubt has to do with Baltimore’s unprecedented 0-3 start and the injury to Ben Roethlisberger that will keep him out 4-6 weeks.

The most unusual is the Ravens’ record because this will be the seventh time Roethlisberger will miss this matchup. Baltimore will be down and out if they lose. The Steelers started 0-4 in 2013 and won eight of their next 12 and still did not make the playoffs, although a missed field goal by Kansas City is what prevented it.

So, in just the fourth game of the season, the Steelers can pretty much dispatch their most bitter rivals from the AFC North pennant race. But will they?

Baltimore has won three of the past four games against the Steelers and three of the past five in Heinz Field. They have become quite comfy playing in Pittsburgh.

The Ravens beat the Steelers in the playoffs for the first time in four post-season games against them, sans Le’Veon Bell, of course. But what’s tougher to overcome, the loss of a great running back or a great quarterback?

Last season also was atypical for these teams because they beat each other up in their own stadiums during the two regular-season games. Usually, these games are decided by 3 points or fewer.

What also is atypical is the Ravens and Steelers no longer bully their way with great defenses. The Steelers’ defense, though, has been a pleasant surprise for them the past two games and though Joe Flacco has tortured them at times in the past, maybe they can make it three straight.

A prediction: Steelers 17, Ravens 16. Vick will make just enough plays, as will his defense, to pull this one out. I also am 3-0 in my season-long predictions and I picked the Steelers to win this one back then.