NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams heading into Week 15

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

. W, 39-38 vs. Ravens. Previous: . PIttsburgh Steelers. 3. team. 55

The Steelers arguably had more riding on their Week 14 matchup with the Ravens than the Ravens did.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, late field goals seem to be a hot trend, and this was the case again on Sunday Night Football.

The Steelers got off to a hot start, holding a 14-0 lead and up 20-14 entering the half. But Baltimore’s once-anemic offense managed to turn the table a bit, exposing key weaknesses left by the absence of linebacker Ryan Shazier (back).

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, wide receiver Antonio Brown is the kind of weapons capable of putting an entire team on his back. Some of his best moments were in the second half, as he finished the night with a whopping 213 yards on 11 receptions.

And for those who love the passing attack, get this — quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempted 66 passes for an astounding 506 yards.

Those are Madden-like numbers, when the game is set on “easy” mode.

Biggest Question

Shazier’s injury opens up a significant void within the second level of Pittsburgh’s defense. What was clearly absent last week was the inability to establish sideline-to-sideline coverage beyond the point of attack.

It’s going to be tough for the Steelers to overcome his absence, which makes this a pressing worry heading into the postseason.