NFL betting - Ravens vs. Steelers odds
Posted on 9/23/2008 4:07:46 PM
By Stan Simmons
Ravens vs. Steelers odds – Steelers looking to separate in AFC North
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WHO: Baltimore Ravens (+8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-8)
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WHAT: NFL football betting
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WHEN: Monday, September 29 at 8:30 p.m. ET
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WHERE: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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KEY STATS: Baltimore is 4-12 against the spread in its last 16 road games; Pittsburgh is 9-4 straight up in its last 13 meetings in Pittsburgh
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PICK: Pittsburgh -8
The Baltimore Ravens were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season as online sportsbook future odds tagged them with only six wins for their regular season win total. But as the NFL nears the end of its first month of action, the Baltimore Ravens are one of six undefeated teams at 2-0.
Glancing at the Ravens vs. Steelers lines for Monday night’s game, Pittsburgh is expected to be the first team to blemish Baltimore’s record.
The Ravens are undefeated but that may not last long. The Ravens trounced the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in their first two contests but both games were at home.
Now the Ravens have to take their rookie starting quarterback Joe Flacco on the road to Heinz Field where they are an eight-point underdog. Odds are the Ravens will get a rude wakeup call.
Their defense has been stifling so far but part of their inflated stats are due to the fact that they’ve faced two struggling quarterbacks. Even though Ben Roethlisberger has a banged up shoulder, the Steelers have a much better offense than the Bengals or the Browns.
Injuries could be a big factor as the Monday night game approaches. Those needing Ravens vs. Steelers picks should be careful because Pittsburgh will be without running back Willie Parker and two starting defensive linemen, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel.
Pittsburgh is 12-6 against the spread in its last 18 home games and 4-1 against the spread in the last three years as a home favorite of 7.5 to 10 points.
This game should be a complete mismatch. The underdog Ravens don’t travel well (only one road win last season) and were crushed 38-7 in their last trip to Heinz Field. They’re also throwing a quarterback making only his third career NFL start to the wolves as they head to one of the toughest stadiums to play.
STAN’S PICK: Ravens vs. Steelers odds have the Steelers as more than a touchdown favorite but you can expect the Ravens inexperienced quarterback to make some mistakes and eventually cost his team the game. Bet Pittsburgh.
For more info on the all your online sports betting needs, or for insight into the Redskins vs. Cowboys lines or Packers vs. Buccaneers spread, visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook. Be sure to visit The Bettor's Edge daily for the hottest tips, info and NFL betting.
Stan
Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people
devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors
and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out.
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