Ravens Steelers Betting – Steelers Take Tough Hard-Hitting Battle Against Ravens
Sports betting players figure that the road to the AFC North title will go through either Pittsburgh or Baltimore, and the two rivals will square off for the first time this Sunday. It’ll be a typically hard-hitting game with a low score, which is why spread betting could be risky for this game. It may be prudent to take the Steelers straight up.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, October 3rd, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
- Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
What’s On The Line
The Steelers (3-0) remain unbeaten after a 38-13 romp of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and this showdown with Baltimore will be their final game without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, although they’re doing pretty well without him. The Ravens (2-1) scored 10 points in the fourth quarter of a 24-17 win at home over Cleveland, setting up what could be the first meeting of the two teams that will fight for the AFC North crown.
Offensive Matchups: Ravens Steelers Betting
Joe Flacco was 22-of-31 for 262 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers for the Baltimore Ravens in his best game of the season, and that also opened up the field for Ray Rice, who had 80 yards on 15 carries. Anquan Boldin caught all three of Flacco’s touchdowns, and the two have built a good understanding in their short time as teammates.
The offense hasn’t been great for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ranking 26th in the league, but the ground game is third and they racked up 201 rushing yards against the Buccaneers. Rashard Mendenhall had 143 yards and a score, and he’s been fine with the heavy workload as the Steelers deal with all of their quarterback problems. But Charlie Batch may have to make some plays with his arm this week, as the Ravens have a stellar run defense.
Betting Edge: Ravens
Defensive Matchups: Ravens Steelers Betting
The Ravens have the best defense in the league statistically, although they did give up an uncharacteristic 173 yards on the ground against the Browns. Last season was strange for the Ravens, who lost coordinator Rex Ryan to the Jets, and they were also without safety Ed Reed. They seem to be resigned to the fact that Reed may not play this year, and they’ve moved on while looking like the defense that has dominated for the last decade.
The Steelers obviously aren’t far behind in sixth place, but “Blitzburgh” is back as Pittsburgh has 10 sacks through the first three games. Four came against the Buccaneers, and the Steelers look far more secure at the back with Troy Polamalu healthy, and that allows the Steelers to be more free with their blitz packages. That means nothing but trouble for opposing quarterbacks.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Ravens Steelers Betting
Rice (knee) left the Cleveland Browns game in the fourth quarter, and NFL betting players should keep an eye on his availability throughout this week.
Nose tackle Chris Hoke (knee) is out, and that hurts the Steelers’ depth on the defensive line.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Ravens Steelers Betting
The NFL betting line for this game will be extremely close, although the Steelers should be favored at home. The Ravens are 1-4 SU in their last five trips to Pittsburgh, but a respectable 2-1-1 ATS, so check the line. Check the total as well: four of the last five at Heinz Field between these two have gone over the total, and given that these two have great defenses, the total is usually absurdly low. The Steelers are the play here, given their play at home (8-2 SU in their last 10), but it’s going to be a game decided by a field goal, so consider that as you make your online betting play.
Stan’s Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
