Steelers vs. Ravens Point Spread: NFL Week 14 Odds, Prediction
The AFC North has quickly devolved into a dumpster fire this season, with no teams currently over .500. Even the two traditional powers, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, have not been exempt from the poor play this year. Now, the two 6-6 teams meet up at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET in a battle for the top of the division.
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers completed just 10 of 21 passes for 117 yards while Pittsburgh’s defence allowed a season-high 249 yards rushing in a 26-7 setback to the Buffalo Bills last week. The Steelers have lost five of seven following a 4-1 start.
The Ravens looked equally incompetent on Thanksgiving night, turning the ball over five times in a 32-14 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. The loss ended a five-game winning streak for Baltimore as two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has yet to look comfortable under centre since his return from multiple injuries.
Baltimore took two of three from Pittsburgh last season, including a 28-14 Wild Card victory at home, and is set as a 6-point favourite on the NFL odds board this time around.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Pittsburgh is 1-4 against the spread on the road. The Steelers have gone 2-5 straight up and ATS in their last seven games overall. The Ravens are 3-4 straight up and 2-5 against the spread at home. Baltimore has played to the Under four times in five games, as have the Steelers. These teams have cashed the Under nine times in their past 10 meetings.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rodgers was ineffective against the Bills. His broken left hand, albeit protected by a brace, prevented him from going under centre. As a result, Pittsburgh mustered little offence and was outgained by Buffalo, 372-166. Rodgers, who just turned 42, is expected to play. Mason Rudolph was 0 for 3 with an interception in a brief third-quarter stint replacing Rodgers.
Pittsburgh’s defence sits in uncommon territory, 28th overall and 28th against the pass. Add on the 249 rushing yards the team surrendered against the Bills, and there are no clear fixes for this team. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is inactive, and cornerback Darius Slay was just released.
Coach Mike Tomlin, now in his 19th season, is under fire with the usually supportive Steelers fans, as they called for his firing at Acrisure Stadium last weekend.
Baltimore Ravens
Jackson could only lead the Ravens to two touchdowns against the Bengals, who came in allowing an NFL-worst 32.7 points a game. He threw for 246 yards, but fumbled twice and tossed an interception.
The Ravens feel stagnant as their dynamic leader appears stuck in the mud. A defence that had greatly improved over the past several weeks allowed more than 20 points for the first time since Oct. 5th. Losing top cornerback Nate Wiggins to a foot injury in the first half did not help. He is questionable this week.
RB Derrick Henry, who has 931 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing, needs to play a big role this week. He has gone over 100 yards four times this year. Baltimore needs Sunday to mark the fifth time.
Who Will Win Steelers vs. Ravens?
One of these deficient sides needs to will itself to victory with the division on the line. Look for the Ravens to take advantage of Pittsburgh’s porous rush defence. Henry has four touchdowns in the past three weeks and could get a couple more on Sunday. Take Baltimore to win, 21-10.
PIT
BAL