The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) host the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Our Ravens vs Steelers prediction is that Pittsburgh will win the game outright.
The Steelers have a half-game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North. Both have an outside shot at the best record in the conference and home field throughout the AFC bracket in the NFL playoffs.
In head-to-head matchups, Pittsburgh leads 35-25.
Offshore Odds: Pittsburgh is a 3-Point Underdog at Home
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravens | -3 (-120) | -175 | O 48 (-105) |
| Steelers | +3 (+100) | +155 | U 48 (-115) |
Baltimore’s Scoring Machine is Running Hot
Since Baltimore lost its first two games, they are 7-1. Their offense has been scorching having posted 41 points three times and scoring at least 28 in each of their victories.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson might be heading for this third MVP. He leads the league with 24 touchdown passes and has thrown only two interceptions. He boasts a best-in-the-NFL passer rating of 123.2 and has rushed for 538 yards.
His backfield teammate Derrick Henry has been an MVP candidate in his own right leading the NFL in rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per attempt.
Still, the Ravens have vulnerabilities. Their yards-per-game pass defense is dead last. They are first at stopping the run. It would not be an issue if the Steelers were starting Justin Fields at quarterback. But Russell Wilson can still throw the ball deep.
One factor to consider is the Ravens’ normally superhuman kicker Justin Tucker’s struggles in converting field goals of more than 50 yards. He is 2 for 5 from long distance this season.
Pittsburgh is Doing Just Enough to Win
During head coach Mike Tomlin’s reign, the Steelers have played solid fundamental football sprinkling in Tomlin’s singular fearlessness. In Week 10’s win over the Commanders, Tomlin tried a fake punt deep in Steelers territory and, in the final minute, was prepared to go for it on fourth and short at midfield to try and end the game.
The Commanders jumped offside and at the postgame press conference, Tomlin coyly told reporters that they would never know whether he was going for it.
Pittsburgh’s passing offense has been near the bottom in 2024, but that needs to be put in the context of Fields or Wilson starting at QB. They are taking more deep shots with Wilson. They are in the top 10 for rushing yards per game. Defensively, they have held opponents to just over 16 points per game, ranked fourth overall.
Ravens vs Steelers Prediction: Pittsburgh Wins a Close Game
Pittsburgh will do its best to control the clock and keep the ball out of Jackson’s hands. Their run defense will be prepared to contain Jackson and Henry. They are adept at takeaways and high-percentage offensive plans with just enough aggressiveness.
The Steelers will upset the Ravens at home and win the game.
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Pick
Steelers Money Line (+155)
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