Pittsburgh has won the last four meetings in the rivalry, and is a 2.5-point favorite at home.
The first installment of the heated AFC North rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers is this Sunday, and it's a crucial point for both teams.
Baltimore is precariously holding onto first place in the division after the Bengals’ big win over the weekend. And Pittsburgh, winners of two in a row and three of its last four, is quietly in the hunt. A win this week over the Ravens, who could be without quarterback Lamar Jackson, would further muddy the crowded playoff picture in the conference.
Though the Ravens have lost their last four in the series, each meeting has been very close: The average margin of victory for the Steelers during that stretch is 3.25 points. Coincidentally, Pittsburgh is a 2.5-point favorite at home.
Ravens vs. Steelers Odds
Moneyline: Ravens (+130) | Steelers (-154)
Spread: BAL +2.5 (+105) | PIT -2.5 (-125)
Total: 37 – Over (-11) | Under (-110)
Ravens Straight-Up Record: 8-4
Ravens Against the Spread Record: 4-7-1
Steelers Straight-Up Record: 5-7
Steelers Against the Spread Record: 6-5-1
Bet on Ravens-Steelers at SI Sportsbook
Coach John Harbaugh said Jackson, who left Sunday’s game against the Broncos with a knee injury, is “days to weeks” from returning. In response to the injury, Baltimore signed Brett Hundley to its practice squad to back up Tyler Huntley, who will start in place of Jackson.
The last few weeks have been difficult for Jackson and the Ravens offense. Though they rank 12th in scoring (23.8 ppg), they have just 51 total points over their last three games and were severely limited against the Broncos and Panthers. Of course, the strength is the rushing attack, and Huntley led the team in rushing last week with 41 yards and scored the game's only touchdown on the ground. Baltimore is one of nine teams that averages less than 200 passing yards per game.
On the other side of the ball, the defense has been stout, especially as of late. The unit ranks top 10 in points allowed (19.7) and yields the second-fewest rushing yards per game (82.5). Opponents have exploited its bottom 10 secondary through the air, though.
As for the Steelers, their offense has come to life over the last four weeks. They've averaged better than 23 ppg on this 3-1 run compared with 17.8 for the season, the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett hasn't thrown an interception in his last four games, and the rushing attack, led by Najee Harris, has also come to life.
Pittsburgh’s defense is home to some of the league’s top stars on that side of the ball. Similar to the offense, its season-long numbers tell a different story than the last few games. For the year, the Steelers allow more than 23 ppg, but they've held three of their last four opponents to less than 20 points. The secondary is also adept at causing turnovers, and the team ranks second in interceptions with 13.
Odds and Betting Insights
Baltimore is 0-3 against the spread over its last three games and has one of the worst records ATS this season. Only four out of 12 Ravens games have hit the over this season, and three of their last four have gone under. Pittsburgh is 5-2 against the spread over the last seven games, and its games also stay under more often than not—the over is 5-7 this season.
Bettors can take part in SI Sportsbook’s free Perfect 10 contest each week during the NFL season. The weekly game requires bettors to make 10 selections against the spread for a chance at a share of a $10,000 prize. Every bettor who picks at least six games correctly will be awarded consolation prizes in the form of free bets.
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