Nov 30, 2013 5 min read

The Steelers’ loss to the Ravens Thursday night was disheartening.

But lost in the muck of the 22-20 defeat was the fact that the Steelers seem to have found something with their offense.

Running back Le’Veon Bell has had his two best games in his rookie season against the Ravens. Bell had a season-high 93 yards rushing in the Steelers’ 19-16 win earlier this season. Before being knocked out of the game late in the fourth quarter with a concussion this week, he had a season-high 136 yards and one touchdown. He would have had another if not for the NFL’s lost helmet rule.

To put that into perspective, the Ravens had allowed just one rushing touchdown all season, and none at home.

The offense, meanwhile scored three touchdowns against the Ravens, who had given up just three in their first five home games.

Baltimore had one of the league’s most stingy red zone defenses. The Steelers were 3-for-3 in red zone trips.

And for the second consecutive game, the much-maligned young offensive line did not allow a sack. Baltimore had a streak of 19 consecutive games with two or more sacks snapped. In fact, Ben Roethlisberger has now gone 83 pass attempts without being sacked.

For a guy who has been sacked once every 11 pass attempts over the course of his career, that’s significant. It also marks the first time in Roethlisberger’s career he’s gone back-to-back games without being sacked.

The loss of center Fernando Velasco hurts, but the Steelers have found ways to overcome these kind of injuries.

The Steelers also have scored 20 or more points in five consecutive games. In other words, offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s offense is working.

Haley’s many detractors might not want to hear that, but it’s true.

The Steelers still have a shot to make the playoffs. The loss to the Ravens damaged those chances but didn’t kill them.

And if they make the postseason or make a strong push to get there, it will be the offense that leads the way.

Even if they don’t make the postseason, the arrow is pointed up.

Now, on to this week’s picks.

The Redskins are turning into a mess.

Take the Giants, 27-17

Something tells me the Jets get it together this week and attack a Miami offensive line that’s missing three starters.

Take the Jets, 17-14

A potential NFC championship preview. But it’s too many points to give for a depleted Seattle secondary.

Take New Orleans to cover in a 24-20 loss

Kansas City’s defense is banged up right now.

Take Denver, 27-20

The Cardinals don’t usually fare well traveling to the East Coast.

Take Philadelphia, 26-20

The Patriots are suddenly in play to be the top seed in the AFC.

Take New England, 31-20

The Bengals have struggled on the road this season but are coming off a bye.

Take Cincinnati, 27-23

The Colts have been struggling on defense, but the Titans don’t have the firepower to hurt them.

Take Indianapolis, 30-17

The Rams always seem to play the 49ers tough.

Take St. Louis to cover in a 24-16 loss

The Bucs have a three-game winning streak. That ends here.

Take Carolina, 30-20

Who would have thought the Bills would be favored in this matchup when the season began?

Take Atlanta to cover in a 23-20 loss

Chicago’s defense is struggling to stop the run. Not good against Adrian Peterson.

Take Minnesota, 24-21

The Jaguars are playing much better in recent weeks. Brandon Weeden starts for Cleveland.

Take Jacksonville to cover in a 17-13 loss

Thursday night: 1-2 ATS; 2-1 Straight up

Overall: 65-98-7 ATS; 101-66-1 Straight up

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.