The Pittsburgh Steelers need a win to stay in the playoff race. The Baltimore Ravens have nothing to play for, as they’re locked into the first seed in the AFC. Let’s preview this game and give out a Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens prediction.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off back to back wins over the Bengals and Seahawks. Mason Rudolph is completing 68.5 percent of his passes for 567 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. George Pickens and Deontae Johnson have combined for 1,768 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while Jaylen Warren has 56 receptions. The Pittsburgh Steelers ground game is averaging 115.9 yards per contest, and Najee Harris leads the way with 923 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, Pittsburgh is allowing 19.6 points and 349.5 yards per game. Elandon Roberts leads the Pittsburgh Steelers with 100 tackles, T.J. Watt has 17 sacks and Levi Wallace has 2 interceptions.
Pittsburgh Steelers Team Facts
- The underdogs have won seven of the Steelers’ last eight games at M&T Bank Stadium.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in seven of the Steelers’ last eight games at M&T Bank Stadium.
- The Steelers have lost the first half in 12 of their last 13 games as favorites against AFC opponents.
- The underdogs have won the first quarter in each of the Steelers’ last four games.
- The Steelers have scored the first touchdown in three of their last four games played as favorites on the East Coast.
Baltimore Ravens Betting Preview
The Baltimore Ravens beat the Rams, Jaguars, 49ers and Dolphins since their bye week. Lamar Jackson is completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. have combined for 1,423 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, while Mark Andrews has 45 receptions. The Baltimore Ravens ground game is averaging 159.7 yards per contest, and Jackson leads the way with 821 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Baltimore is allowing 16.4 points and 302.1 yards per game. Roquan Smith leads the Baltimore Ravens with 158 tackles, Justin Madubuike has 13 sacks and Geno Stone has 7 interceptions.
Baltimore Ravens Team Facts
- The underdogs have won seven of the last eight games between the Steelers and Ravens.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the last eight games between the Steelers and Ravens.
- The Ravens have won the first half in each of their last nine games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Ravens have won the first quarter in seven of their last eight games as underdogs following a home win.
- The Ravens have scored the first touchdown in 11 of their last 12 home games.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens prediction
This game is expected to be in the 30s and rainy, which is good for underdogs. The Baltimore Ravens aren’t playing anybody as they’re locked into the first seed. Tyler Huntley is a capable backup quarterback, and I’m sure the Ravens would still love to stick it to their rival and prevent the Steelers from making the playoffs. Still, if the Steelers cant beat a team of backups, something is wrong, and we have to look at Mike Tomlin funny in the light. There are no excuses for the road team here. Give me the Steelers by a touchdown just because they’re playing their starters and are still playing for something.