Published Dec 3, 9:49pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 3, 9:49pm ET
Grok AI
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| Baltimore Ravens | -6 (-107) |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +6 (-113) |
The Steelers' season could go either way in the next few weeks, and with that, their entire future could be radically changed.
While ownership and the franchise do not let the fans and media dictate how it operates and decides on its staff, it's impossible not to notice when a fan base is changing "Fire Tomlin" for a coach as decorated and successful as Mike Tomlin is.
“Fire Tomlin” pic.twitter.com/wXxJd0evKt
— Noah Strackbein (@NoahStrackbein) November 30, 2025
Still, while the fans could be seen as spoiled, the reality is that the Steelers have stumbled into mediocrity. And they have not won a playoff game in a decade.
Since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, the team has patched over the quarterback position and has not yet found a long-term answer. Or even a short-term one. Aaron Rodgers has been good, but when someone has the resume Rodgers does, more is expected in the won-lost column. If the Steelers were a powerhouse, particularly on defense, Rodgers could very well take them to the Super Bowl. But they're not.
They're old, slow, and injury-prone. They have just waived veteran defensive back Darius Slay (quickly picked up by the Bills) to make room for Adam Thielen, claimed from the Vikings.
The Bills ran over the Steelers in Pittsburgh, 26-7. Buffalo's shaky defense held Rodgers to 117 yards passing and corralled the running game. James Cook ran for 144 yards on 32 carries. Ray Davis added 62 on 9 carries.
Pittsburgh is 24th in passing yards per game, 28th in rushing yards per game, 28th in defensive passing yards per game, and 17th in defensive rushing yards per game.
Looking at how unimpressive they've been, they're lucky to be 6-6. If they lose this game, they could very well finish below .500 for the first time in Tomlin's tenure.
ALSO SEE: Buccaneers vs Saints Week 14 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 7)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| James Pierre, CB | INJURED |
| Patrick Queen, LB | INJURED |
| T.J. Watt, LB | INJURED |
| Aaron Rodgers, QB | INJURED |
| Bob Skowronek, WR | INJURED |
| Calvin Anderson, OT | INJURED |
| Donte Kent, CB | INJURED |
| Derrick Harmon, DT | INJURED |
The Ravens' five-game winning streak was perceived to have righted their ship. But that ignores that they started off 1-5 to get themselves in the position where they needed a long winning streak.
In Week 13, the Bengals celebrated the return of QB Joe Burrow with a dominating performance, beating Baltimore 32-14.
Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton on Joe Burrow in his return from IR:
— AJ Gersh (@AJGershTV) November 28, 2025
"He made some great throws. That's who he is and that's why he's regarded as one of the best in our league. He's got the stats, he's been to the Super Bowl... and it's not by accident." pic.twitter.com/eLED5wTA89
Cincinnati's defense is among the league's worst, but it held Lamar Jackson to 246 yards passing and intercepted him once. Derrick Henry had 60 yards on 10 carries.
Their schedule for the last month is daunting. After the Steelers, they again play the Bengals. Then it's the Patriots, the Packers, and the Steelers again. Regardless of Sunday's result, if they can go 3-2, they should win the division.
Baltimore has not been any more impressive than the Steelers this season. And that's with an elite QB and running back. They're -4 in takeaway differential. On defense, they have stumbled as well. Their pass rush has been nonexistent, with 19 total sacks. Mike Green leads the team with 2.5.
Jackson is dealing with an ankle issue.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Nate Wiggins, CB | INJURED |
| Lamar Jackson, QB | INJURED |
| Ar'Darius Washington, S | INJURED |
| Tavius Robinson, LB | INJURED |
| Justice Hill, RB | INJURED |
In Week 14 Steelers-Ravens, the winner will leave the field in first place. However, that only gives them a minor advantage for the AFC North title. These teams loathe each other and always battle with hard-hitting and back-and-forth barking in generally close games.
Jackson has been shaky this season amid speculation that he's not completely healthy. Rodgers is playing with fractures in his left wrist, and he's very old. Both teams are aging and feeling the wear and tear.
The spread is substantial for teams that usually play each other tightly and tough.
Underdog Pittsburgh will keep the game within 6 points on the road.
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Pick
Pittsburgh Steelers +6
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