First place in the AFC North is on the line as the Ravens take on the Steelers in the latest episode of their bitter rivalry. Pittsburgh currently holds top spot at 7-2 but Baltimore (7-3) can take over top spot with a win Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)
The Steelers may be the surprise team in 2024 as not many expected them to be a playoff contender let alone vying for the divisional title. They won a squeaker in Washington, 28-27 and controlled the game, holding the ball for 36 minutes and held the high octane Commanders offense to just 242 yards. Can they slow down the Ravens who have been averaging 37.6 PPG in their last five wins. The Steelers are tops in the NFL ATS at 7-2 this season.
Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
Lamar Jackson continues to dominate games coming off a 4 touchdown performance against the Bengals. The favorite for MVP has thrown 14 TDs in the last four games, and no interceptions. In fact, Jackson has 24 touchdowns and just two interceptions on the year. The challenge will be taking on a Steelers front that smothered Jayden Daniels last week, holding him to just 17 completions on 34 attempts and sacking him three times.
Keys to the Game
Ravens: Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry leads the NFL in rushing but faces a Steelers defense ranked No.4 against the run. In his last two games vs Pittsurgh (as a Titan), Henry rushed for exactly 75 yards and a score in both games. Even if he can’t penetrate this top tier unit, Henry’s presence will open up a lot of passing options for Lamar Jackson.
Steelers: Russell Wilson
Since taking over as the starter, all Russell Wilson has done is lead his team to three straight victories. Even with his small sample, Wilson ranks sixth in the NFL in EPA + CPOE Composite. He’s passed for six touchdowns and just one interception, and has instilled confidence in this team.
Game Betting Odds
Baltimore Ravens -3
Pittsburgh Steelers +3
Total: 48.5
Game Prediction: Under 48.5
While the Ravens have the highest scoring team in the NFL (31.8PPG), this game may be your typical AFC North defensive battle. Both teams have elite run defenses, and the Steelers allow just 16.2 PPG. The UNDER is 7-0 in the last seven meetings between these teams.
Recent Betting Trends
Ravens have gone OVER in the last six straight games
The OVER is 5-1 in Pittsburgh’s last six
Steelers are 4-1 ATS in the last five games
Baltimore is 2-5 ATS in last 7 vs divisional opponents
Pittsburgh is 7-1 ATS in last 8 vs AFC North teams
