The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) and the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) meet Saturday in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NFL odds around the Steelers vs. Ravensodds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Steelers are in the postseason, but just barely. They really were in freefall to close out the season, last winning 27-14 in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh closed out the season on a 4-game losing streak, and its only cover was in a 19-17 loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals in the season finale Jan. 4 as a 2.5-point underdog at most shops.
During the losing streak, Pittsburgh suffered a 34-17 loss at Baltimore in Week 16 as a 7.5-point underdog while the Over (44) cashed. That game set the Ravens well on their way to the AFC North division title, and the ability to host this game.
These teams also met in the Steel City back in Week 11, and the Steelers grinded out an 18-16 victory as 3-point underdogs while the Under (48.5) cashed.
Baltimore was the opposite of Pittsburgh down the stretch, not only winning the final 4 games, but covering each game as well. That includes a 35-10 win in the finale against the Browns Jan. 4 as a 20-point favorite, the largest number in the NFL this season. The Over was 3-1 in the final 4 games for the Ravens.
The problem for the Ravens, and in particular, QB Lamar Jackson, hasn’t been the regular season. He is 2-4 in 6 career postseason games, completing 57.4% of his pass attempts with a passer rating of 75.7. With RB Derrick Henry now in the fold, too, can the Ravens finally get over that postseason hump?
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Steelers at Ravens odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds. Lines last updated Friday at 9:36 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Steelers +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Ravens -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Steelers +9.5 (-110) | Ravens -9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Steelers at Ravens key injuries
Steelers
- OT Calvin Anderson (groin) questionable
- LB Cole Holcomb (knee) out
- DT Logan Lee (calf) out
- OG Mason McCormick (hand) questionable
- WR Roman Wilson (hamstring) out
Ravens
- WR Zay Flowers (knee) out
- WR Deonte Harty (knee) questionable
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week:Get ESPN+
Steelers at Ravens picks and predictions
Prediction
Ravens 23, Steelers 16
Moneyline
Ravens (-500) will cost you 5 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.
While Baltimore looks to be on a roll and the Steelers (+380) struggled mightily down the stretch, it’s hard to look past the failures of Baltimore and Jackson in the postseason. You can’t risk this much for so little of a return.
PASS.
Against the spread
The STEELERS +9.5 (-110) are a strong play, as they’re likely the one team the Ravens -9.5 (-110) did not want to see in the first round. Pittsburgh knows Baltimore well, and the teams split in the regular season.
Yes, Pittsburgh had issues down the stretch, and it isn’t likely to spring the outright upset here. But, the Steelers will make the Ravens earn everything, and that stout rushing defense, allowing just 98.7 rushing yards per game, will mean Baltimore has to pass more to win. Usually, at least in the playoffs, that hasn’t historically been a good thing.
Over/Under
UNDER 43.5 (-110) may be the best play on the board.
The Steelers have a pretty stout defense, allowing just 20.4 points per game, while limiting teams to under 100 yards per game in the run game.
The Ravens were No. 1 against the run this season, although they certainly had issues against the pass.
These old AFC North rivals should see lower scores in this rubber match for the right to advance to the divisional round.
Want to play some games of your own? Play for free at the best social casinos and enjoy lots of slots, blackjack, video poker, roulette and more. You can even earn real prizes!
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X.Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
More NFL Picks and Predictions!
Winner winner chicken dinner: NFL parlay for Wild Card weekend
NFL Wild Card round odds update: Line moves for moneylines, spreads and Over/Unders
AFC Wild Card: LA Chargers at Houston Texans odds and lines
