The Ravens will head to Pittsburgh for the first of their two-yearly meetings with the Steelers this weekend. Both of these teams have had great highs this year, though Pitt is absolutely ice cold right now, getting slashed by opponents nearly every single week. At 5-5, it is not too early to say that the Steelers will have a zero percent chance of winning the division if they lose this one.
For the Ravens, they come in at 8-3, off of consecutive wins. Neither game was particularly pretty, but in a season that only has 17 games, you need to take whatever you can get. They have not played as well as the record would suggest, but it could be a lot worse. Lamar Jackson threw four interceptions against the Browns on Sunday night, and yet they still won the game.
As for the Steelers, things are not okay right now. The losses have continued to pile up, and one more would place them under .500. As Cincy and Baltimore have continued to fly high, these guys and the Browns have been limping. It is clear and obvious that the team will need a brand new QB next year and to perhaps re-tool some other things. Good luck to them this week.
This is a game that will be won by whichever QB takes better care of the football.
Betting Odds & Lines
The spread for Sunday favors visiting Baltimore, -4. The over/under is set at 44 points. The BAL moneyline is -211; the Pitt line is +175.
Ravens Seeking Ninth Win
Believe it or not, the Ravens have the best record in the AFC at the moment. Both the Patriots and Titans have amassed 8-4 record but have not had their bye weeks yet. BAL is 8-3 to this point, the fewest losses in the conference, all of their double-digit comebacks to thank. This is going to be a hostile environment, and they have to be ready.
Lamar Jackson knows he has to be better, but considering how much better he had been playing pre-illness, this last performance was a major step backward. The run game was poor against Cleveland, and now facing another stellar run D, it has got to improve. Fast.
If they can get into range, they can lean on Justin Tucker to bring them home.
Pitt Seeks Big Win
Defeating a division rival always feels good. The Steelers have a major opportunity to not only get back into playoff conversations but hurt the Ravens’ chances in the North as well. This is a game that could help fix all of the issues if they can just come to play.
Injuries have been hitting them, as has COVID-19. It is unlikely that T.J. Watt is able to take the field, so the next man up has to be ready to pressure Lamar as much as possible. The offense will need to be perfect for them to have a chance.
Ben Roethlisberger’s expiration date is coming, so the team had the best hope he can win them a few more before heading off into retirement.
Ravens Win
Baltimore will get it done on the road, winning a big one, and improving to 9-3.
Betting Pick: Baltimore -4, Over 44
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