‘Sunday Night Football,’ Ravens vs. Steelers 2014: New faces, same bloodied uniforms

One of the NFL’s best rivalries reignites on “Sunday Night Football.”

Nov 2, 2014, 8:30 PM UTC

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

For much of the past decade, the two yearly matchups between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers were must-watch television. After reloading this offseason, this AFC North showdown is exhilarating once again.

It was only two seasons ago that the Ravens took home their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. When that team started getting old, much of the roster needed a makeover before a return to contention. GM Ozzie Newsome has done exactly that, as Baltimore’s defense now includes only four players that were significant contributors during the championship year.

The same problem hit the Steelers a few years earlier. After falling to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV, Pittsburgh saw many of its older players break down (Casey Hampton, James Harrison, James Farrier) while others left for greener pastures (Mike Wallace). With talented youngers like Ryan Shazier now in the fold, the Seelers have the chance to return to relevance.

Digits

Despite being in his first season with the Ravens, Steve Smith has usurped Torrey Smith as the team's No. 1 target in the passing game. He leads Baltimore with 68 targets, 41 catches, 675 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Smith's addition has helped out quarterback Joe Flacco, who is on pace for a career-best 28 touchdowns.

Coordinator Todd Haley's offense seems to have taken hold in Pittsburgh. Last week, Ben Roethlisberger completed 40 of his 49 passes for 522 yards and six touchdowns, the first 500-yard game for any quarterback this season. Most of his passes went to star receiver Antonio Brown, who hauled in 10 for 133 yards and a touchdown. Bell, Pittsburgh's other offensive star, amassed 148 total yards.

In their first matchup of the season, the Ravens blew out the Steelers 26-6. The teams split their games the season prior.

Who to watch

C.J. Mosley - The rookie inside linebacker has been everything the Ravens hoped when they selected him 17th-overall in this year's draft. In addition to providing solid play against the run and covering tight ends, Mosley has flashed playmaking ability. In just half a season, he has two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Le'Veon Bell - If not for DeMarco Murray's incredible first half, no running back would be more heralded this season than Pittsburgh's Le'Veon Bell. In his second year, Bell has shown more wiggle and shake, the result of a successful offseason of conditioning. Eight games in, Bell is averaging a hair under 5 yards per carry and has become a dangerous weapon in the passing game.

The Venue

Heinz Field, which opened in 2001, sits on the banks of the Allegheny River with picturesque views of the Pittsburgh skyline and is one of the landmarks of this blue-collar city. The most notable parts of the motif are two large, fake Heinz ketchup bottles at the top of the Jumbotron that tip and pour ketchup on the scoreboard when the Steelers enter the red zone. Despite the presence of those ketchup bottles, the stadium has also been nicknamed The Mustard Palace by fans because of its yellow seats.

How to watch

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

When: 830 p.m. ET

TV: NBC

Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth

Radio: Ravens Radio Network, Steelers Radio Network

Online streaming: NBCSports.com, Verizon NFL Mobile

Odds

The Ravens are 2-point favorites according to OddsShark.

Preliminary Judgment

Most of the experts disagree with Vegas, and are picking the Steelers to win at home against the Ravens. Four of our seven guys here at SB Nation have Pittsburgh, with Ryan Van Bibber, PFT Commenter and Matt Ufford taking the Ravens. The folks over at CBS Sports are big on the Steelers, with six of eight predicting a win for the home team. ESPN’s experts are also similarly leaning towards Pittsburgh -- eight of nine think the Steelers can get a third straight win.