Pittsburgh need to be on the ball against arch-rivals Baltimore

Sky Sports Action, 1.30am Sunday night

Pittsburgh possess the best record in the AFC with four games of the regular season remaining, but they are set to embark on two weeks which could define their campaign.

The Steelers have been nip and tuck with New England in the race for the conference's number-one seeding for the last six weeks and the pair clash at Heinz Field in a showdown next week.

But Mike Tomlin's side can ill afford to be distracted as a victory for their arch rivals Baltimore would be a body blow and allow the Ravens to get within two games of them in the race for the AFC North.

The Ravens have lost just one of their last five matches and they prevented both Miami and Green Bay from scoring a point so, while their defence may not be as formidable as they were when they claimed Super Bowl glory in 2013, they should not be easily dismissed.

Pittsburgh have not lost since they were humbled 30-9 by Jacksonville in Week Five, but they had to show their fighting qualities against another AFC North rival Cincinnati, recovering from a 17-point deficit to claim a win.

The Steelers crushed Tennessee 40-17 three weeks ago, but three of their last four victories have come by margins of three points as they stuttered over the line against uninspiring Indianapolis and an Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay.

The sight of the Ravens in the rear-view mirror could galvanise them but the value looks to be with the visitors in receipt of the points.

Recommendation
Baltimore +4.5
2pts 10-11 general

The lowdown
Venue Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Surface Grass
Weather Cloudy, 0C
Vegas handicap Baltimore +4.5
Vegas points line 43.5

Team news
Baltimore
Linebacker Za'Darius Smith is doubtful with a shoulder injury, but hopes are high that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, guard Jermaine Eluemunor and linebacker CJ Mosley will all be involved.

Pittsburgh
Wide receiver Antonio Brown has recovered from a toe injury but safety Mike Mitchell is questionable with an ankle problem.

Key stat
Pittsburgh have won eight of their last nine home matches.

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