The bye week certainly came at a good time for new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who had a chance to add more of his ideas into the offense, and for struggling quarterback Joe Flacco, who got some much-needed rest after taking a beating the past couple of games. The best news for Flacco is that the starting offensive line is now healthy and intact. The Ravens are converting just 32.4 percent of their third downs, the second-worst mark in the league.

Just when you thought the ground game was improving, the Ravens were held to a franchise-low 11 rushing yards on 11 carries in the Oct. 23 loss to the New York Jets. That leaves them 26th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (86.3). Offensive coaches worked extensively on the run during the bye week. Terrance West, who seems fine after hurting his ankle against the Jets, remains the starter, but expect rookie Kenneth Dixon to be more involved.

After becoming the league's top-ranked run defense, the Ravens were gashed for 155 rushing yards against the Jets. They're now fourth against the run, allowing 81.9 yards per game. Terrell Suggs' return from a torn biceps injury should help as the Ravens struggled to set the edge — something Suggs does well — against the Jets. The Ravens will have to be disciplined and fly to the ball against Steelers standout back Bell, who is elusive and explosive.

Top cornerback Jimmy Smith did a nice job on the Jets' Brandon Marshall two weeks ago and his reward will likely be shadowing Brown, who might be the top wide receiver in the NFL. Smith and the Ravens have done a reasonably good job on Brown, holding him to one touchdown reception in 13 career meetings (including playoffs). The rest of the defensive backs have to keep receivers in front of them, a major problem the past two games. Pressure up front is imperative.

Kicker Justin Tucker has been the Ravens' most valuable player, converting on all 18 of his field-goal attempts and on 25 straight dating to last year. Twelve of the past 16 Ravens-Steelers games have been decided by three points or fewer, so Tucker might give the Ravens the advantage if the game comes down to a field goal. Return man Devin Hester Sr. has fumbled four times this year. Punter Sam Koch will avoid kicking to Brown if he can.

The Ravens beat the Steelers three times last calendar year and Pittsburgh hasn't won in Baltimore since 2012. The Ravens seem to elevate their game whenever they face their archrival. The Ravens are 6-2 after a bye week under coach John Harbaugh and should get back several top players from injuries. However, the Ravens went 0-for-October and they've morphed into a shaky, mistake-prone team that's struggled to defend its home field.

Even with Ben Roethlisberger missing one game and part of another, the Steelers have the NFL's eighth-ranked passing game. Roethlisberger and backup Landry Jones have combined to throw 17 touchdowns. Only the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints have more. All the focus has been on Roethlisberger's health, but the Ravens still have to deal with a cadre of offensive weapons, led by wide receiver Antonio Brown. Pittsburgh has allowed only 11 sacks, second fewest in the NFL.

The Steelers have run the ball pretty effectively, averaging 4.5 yards a carry. However, they haven't put up big rushing numbers because they haven't run the ball a whole lot. Their 164 rushing attempts are more than just three teams have. That figures to change with Le'Veon Bell now up to speed after being suspended for the first three games. Bell is still waiting for his first touchdown. His backup, DeAngelo Williams, has four.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hasn't been pleased with his run defense lately. Statistically, Pittsburgh is in the middle of the pack in stopping the run. But in their Oct. 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers gave up 222 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. A week later against the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh allowed 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns — both by LeGarrette Blount. Defensive end Cameron Heyward's return should help.

This unit has been Pittsburgh's Achilles' heel. The Steelers have had some problems on the back end, allowing 283.4 passing yards per game. That ranks 26th in the NFL. They have just three interceptions. Only the Indianapolis Colts have fewer. Their eight sacks are also the fewest in the league. Tenth-year veteran William Gay is Pittsburgh's most accomplished cornerback, and the team also has rookies Sean Davis (Maryland) and Artie Burns playing prominent roles in the secondary.

The Ravens have made big plays over the years against the Steelers. Pittsburgh's current units haven't done anything very noteworthy. Second-year kicker Chris Boswell has converted seven of 10 field-goal attempts this season, and his career 85.7 percent accuracy ranks second in team history among kickers with at least 30 attempts. Jordan Berry has landed 13 of his 30 punts inside the 20. Ex-Raven Fitzgerald Toussaint has been the primary kick returner.

The Steelers have lost two straight games but still lead the division despite Roethlisberger's injury, the suspensions to Bell and Martavis Bryant (out for the year), and several defensive players' missing time. Like the Ravens, Pittsburgh got an opportunity to use the bye week to get healthier. The Steelers have spent all week hearing about the Ravens' recent dominance over them, so you'd expect to see a fired-up and focused team. Pittsburgh has committed the fifth fewest penalties in the NFL.