Ravens vs. Steelers Pick
AFC North rivals clash at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 12 when the Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:20PM ET on Sunday night.
The Steelers lost to the Chiefs 27-24 as an 11.5-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went over the posted total of 39.5 points as Ben Roethlisberger threw for 398 yards and three touchdowns. Hines Ward also caught 10 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
The Ravens were defeated 17-15 by the Colts as a 2-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score fell under the posted total of 44.5 points, while Joe Flacco threw for 256 yards with an interception for Baltimore. Derrick Mason also caught nine passes for 142 yards in the loss.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Ravens 2-point favorites over the Steelers in Week 12. The over/under total for Sunday’s matchup has been set for 42 points.
Despite practicing for most of the week, Roethlisberger (concussion) is questionable for Sunday night’s game and is likely to sit out against the Ravens. That means Dennis Dixon, a 2008 fifth-round pick out of Oregon, will get the start because Charlie Batch (wrist) is also out.
Even with Big Ben in the lineup, Pittsburgh is just 3-8 against the spread in its last 11 games and 1-6 against the number in its last seven games on the road. The Steelers are also just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games when playing on the road against Baltimore.
On the other side, the Ravens are 17-7 against the spread in their last 24 games and 10-4 against the number in their last 14 games at home. They’re also 10-4 straight up in their last 14 games at home.
Even though the Steelers still have one of the best defenses in the NFL, with Dixon under center they’re likely to struggle offensively. Plus, Troy Polamalu (knee) is out and Flacco could have some opportunities to strike for big plays.
Take the Ravens –2 and the under 42. The total has gone under in five of Baltimore’s last six games and once again, the Steelers might struggle to put points on the board without Roethlisberger.
Our NFL Week 12 Free Pick for this matchup is: BALTIMORE RAVENS -2 and UNDER 42.
Steelers vs. Ravens Current Odds
227 Pittsburgh Steelers +2 Over 42
228 Baltimore Ravens –2 Under 42
Pittsburgh is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games at home
Baltimore is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
PITTSBURGH
[FB] 09/29/2009 – Frank Summers IR ( Back )
[DE] 10/18/2009 – Aaron Smith IR ( Shoulder )
[DE] 11/19/2009 – Travis Kirschke is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. Kansas City ( Calf )
[FB] 11/19/2009 – Carey Davis is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Kansas City ( Hamstring )
[S] 11/17/2009 – Troy Polamalu is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. Kansas City ( Knee )
BALTIMORE
[OT] 08/04/2009 – Adam Terry IR ( Knee )
[CB] 10/19/2009 – Samari Rolle IR ( Neck )
[WR] 08/14/2009 – Marcus Smith IR ( ACL )
[DT] 08/15/2009 – Lamar Divens IR ( Hip )
[LB] 09/06/2009 – Jason Phillips IR ( Knee )
[LB] 10/05/2009 – Brendon Ayanbadejo IR ( Quad )
[DT] 11/18/2009 – Haloti Ngata is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Indianapolis ( Ankle )
[DB] 11/17/2009 – Haruki Nakamura IR ( Ankle )
[OLB] 11/18/2009 – Terrell Suggs is downgraded to expected to miss Sunday vs. Indianapolis ( Leg )
[LB] 11/19/2009 – Tavares Gooden is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Indianapolis ( Concussion )
[TE] 11/21/2009 – Todd Heap is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. Indianapolis ( Chest )
Posted: 11/29/09 5:30PM ET