The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens (9-5) on the first NFL Saturday of the season. If Pittsburgh wins, they will clinch the AFC North. A Baltimore win ties the division with two games to play. Our Steelers vs Ravens prediction is that underdog Pittsburgh will cover the 6.5-point spread.
Head-to-head, Pittsburgh leads with a 36-25 record. The Steelers beat the Ravens 18-16 in Week 11.
Offshore Odds: Baltimore Favored By a Surprising 6.5 Points
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | +6.5 (-110) | +250 | O 45 (-105) |
| Ravens | -6.5 (-110) | -300 | U 45 (-115) |
Pittsburgh Hopes to Rebound from Loss in Philly
After the Week 11 win over Baltimore at home, Pittsburgh looked to be in control of the division. However, they lost to Cleveland in a snowy Thursday Night Football matchup and gave Baltimore an opening to stay within range. Their loss to Philadelphia dropped their record to 10-4.
This game is crucial to their division title hopes as they will play Kansas City and Cincinnati in the final two games of the season. Baltimore plays Houston and Cleveland. A Pittsburgh win keeps them in the mix for the number two seed in the conference.
The Eagles’ defense shut down Pittsburgh, holding them to 163 yards of total offense and winning 27-13.
Pittsburgh might be without two key players. Receiver George Pickens and linebacker T.J. Watt are questionable. Backup quarterback Justin Fields, who is used for several offensive packages, is dealing with an abdominal injury.
A Win Can Salvage Baltimore’s Super Bowl Hopes
The Ravens’ Week 15 beating of the New York Giants proved very little since New York has all but thrown up its hands on the season. Still, Baltimore accrued 445 yards of total offense. Lamar Jackson threw for five touchdowns and had an otherworldly passer rating of 154.6.
Head coach John Harbaugh used the blowout to rest his starters ahead of the Pittsburgh game six days later. Still, their wide receiver corps could be short with both Nelson Agholor (concussion) and Rashod Bateman (foot) questionable. If their injuries are longer term, it could mean a return engagement in Baltimore for Odell Beckham Jr.
Baltimore lost the earlier game with Pittsburgh due to committing three turnovers to the Steelers’ one. Pittsburgh mostly contained the Ravens’ passing attack. Baltimore committed 12 penalties for 80 yards. Pittsburgh dominated time of possession, holding the ball for more than 36 minutes and keeping Jackson and Derrick Henry off the field.
Steelers vs Ravens Prediction: A 6.5-Point Spread is Too High
Baltimore favored at home?
Ok.
Baltimore favored by 6.5 points?
That’s a bit extreme.
To win, Pittsburgh will need to repeat its performance from the earlier game between the teams by forcing turnovers and a dominating time of possession. Regardless, they will keep the game closer than the 6.5-point spread suggests.
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