Ravens can still irritate the Steelers

Sky Sports 1, 9.30pm Sunday

Forget Max Branning returning to EastEnders to wreak revenge on Ian Beale – the biggest TV showdown this Christmas Day is the AFC North decider between Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

Even with one week to go, this looks a winner-takes-all clash and even though division leaders Pittsburgh have won their last five matches, they have been unable to shake the Ravens off.

The Steelers have a great offensive arsenal and have seen their defence step up in the last few weeks with no teams scoring more than 20 points against them during their winning run.

Baltimore have hung around and although they have beaten the Steelers once this season, that Week Nine success was one of only two victories against teams who have winning records with just two matches remaining.

Their defence has been solid and will not let Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell or star receiver Antonio Brown dictate matters. The home team look the more likely winners but the Ravens can stay in touch.

Recommendation
Baltimore +6
1pt 10-11 BoyleSports, Sky Bet

The lowdown

TV Sky Sports 1 Starts 9.30pm tomorrow
Venue Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Surface Grass
Weather Cloudy, 5C
Best handicaps Baltimore +6;
Pittsburgh -4.5
Points line 44.5-45.5 points

Team news
Baltimore Wide receiver Steve Smith should have recovered from a thigh injury.

Pittsburgh Tight end Ladarius Green and safety Shamarko Thomas have been nursing head injuris this week while defensive end Stephon Tuitt has a knee injury.

Key stat
Pittsburgh have scored more than 20 points in just one of their last six home matches against Baltimore