The Baltimore Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers face off Sunday in an AFC NOrth showdown at Heinz Field. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. The last game was last December and the Steelers won that game 19-14.
The Ravens come into this game with an 8-3 record overall and they have gone 5-6 against the spread. The Ravens have won two games in a row and although neither were pretty they were able to win the game. They currently are averaging 23.9 points per game while their defense has given up 21.82 points per game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has played well for this season, but he has still been inconsistent at times. He has been good on the ground, but he needs to be more productive through the air in this game. Jackson has thrown for 2,612 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
On the other side of this matchup is the Pittsburgh Steelers who sit with a 5-5-1 record and they have gone 4-7 against the spread. Ben Roethlisberger has been a weak link of the offense, and at some point they need him to play better or make a change. In each of the last two games they have also given up 41 points. Pittsburgh is averaging 20.3 points while their defense is giving up 24.3 points per game. Of course, the offense will need to move the ball better, but if the defense struggles, this is going to be a long game.
The Ravens are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games on grass.The Steelers are 3-7 against the spread in their last ten games on grass. The underdog is 20-7-3 against the spread in the last 30 meetings. The road team is 7-2 against the spread in the last nine meetings.
I don’t trust the Steelers offense but more importantly, their defense is going to be lit up. Look for the Ravens to get a big game from Jackson, and this game is going to get out of control early. Back the Ravens to come away with a cover of the spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
