BALTIMORE – It's an unusual “Purple Friday” as the Ravens face their longtime rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday afternoon.
It's the last game of the regular season. While the Ravens' playoff situation is under wraps, the Steelers are fighting for their survival to make it to the postseason.
Some of the Ravens' best players will rest this week. The most notable absence will be quarterback Lamar Jackson, who will watch from the sidelines as Tyler Huntley runs the offense.
The Steelers are on the outside looking in, needing to win and get help just to stay alive.
The Ravens would love to spoil Pittsburgh's playoff hopes at M&T Bank Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
What will be the impact of this unusual constellation? We turn to our panel of experts.
Alex Glaze picks the Ravens to beat the Steelers 20-17.
“You're crazy if you don't think John Harbaugh and the Ravens aren't going to try to win this game,” Glaze said.
Huber from “Huber in the Morning on 100.7 The Bay” picked the Ravens to win 27-21.
“There are a lot of things I never would have predicted in this game, like how meaningless this game will be for the Ravens,” Huber said. “I'm debating whether I even want to watch this game or whether I want to watch the Y2K Keanu Reeves classic.” “The Replacements.”
Torrey Smith says the Ravens will send the Steelers back for a long offseason.
“We know what this game means to the people of this city. The Ravens will still get there regardless of the current situation,” said the former Ravens wide receiver.
Rick Ritter agrees, even though several starters are missing. He picks the Ravens 13-10.
“You can’t lose to the Steelers twice, right? They have to win,” Ritter said. “The Steelers season is on the line, but the Ravens have a Pro Bowl quarterback. Tyler Huntley gets his chance to get in there. They won’t let the Steelers win.”
Qadry Ismail follows suit and picks the Ravens to a 20-17 win.
“This is a rivalry game,” Ismail said. “Tyler Huntley and everyone else who will be active that day must play their game, play effectively and get the win. Point. End of discussion.”
While games like this are difficult to predict, Mark Viviano says the Ravens will win 19-16.
“Games like this are hard to pick, but the Ravens have good players, even as substitutes,” Viviano said. “And I have a feeling they’re going to be better than the Steelers — even their starters.”
WJZ's “Purple Pregame” show begins at 11 a.m. Saturday.
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