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    Ravens vs. Steelers Prediction, Odds, and Picks for Week 14

    What are the odds and our prediction as AFC North foes the Ravens and Steelers square off in Week 14 of the NFL season?

    Our Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers prediction takes a look at the Week 14 matchup that carries immense playoff implications. Let’s take a look at the current sports betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Dec. 5.

    Ravens vs. Steelers Odds

    • Spread
      Steelers -3
    • Moneyline
      Steelers -155, Ravens +135
    • Over/Under
      37 points

    Ravens vs. Steelers Prediction

    The Ravens’ season seemed to be spiraling out of control even as recently as the fourth quarter of last week’s contest against the Broncos. But backup QB Tyler Huntley was able to keep the offense afloat and they advanced to 8-4 on the season.

    Baltimore still holds first place over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, but each team has a very different outlook for the next few weeks. Cincinnati has won four straight games and are coming off of a hard-fought win over the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Ravens just lost their starting QB, Lamar Jackson.

    MORE: How Does ‘Week to Week’ Lamar Jackson Knee Injury Alter AFC North Race?

    Jackson suffered a knee sprain in Sunday’s matchup against Denver and is described as “week-to-week.” This means that Huntley will get the start in a tough divisional matchup against Pittsburgh.

    The Steelers have been susceptible to opposing passing games this season, as they’re allowing the fifth-most passing yards per game. This would typically bode well for a backup QB entering the next game as the starter, but Baltimore’s top-tier receiving weapons have been banged up, and they rank among the lowest teams in the league in terms of passing yards per game.

    The strength of the Ravens’ offense lies in their running game, but Pittsburgh’s shut opposing running games down this year up to this point. The Steelers are allowing just 107.5 rushing yards on average, and this will be a test to see who can dominate in that aspect of the game.

    This is the key for Baltimore winning this matchup. If the Ravens can win at the line of scrimmage and consistently pick up a high yards-per-carry average, Baltimore should be able to open things up for Huntley and the passing game and keep themselves in control of the AFC North.

    As for the Steelers, they now find themselves at 5-7 on the year and winners of two straight games. Kenny Pickett has taken a step forward in his development recently, and the offense is doing enough to keep them competitive late in games.

    As the Steelers have won three out of their last four, the biggest correlation is Pickett’s development in taking care of the football. After throwing eight interceptions in his first five games, Pickett has gone the last four without turning the ball over. He’s not turning heads with his offensive performances, but he’s doing what the Steelers need to help them win football games.

    The other storyline that corresponds with Pickett’s development is the re-emergence of Najee Harris and Pittsburgh’s running game. Harris has now gone over 80 yards rushing and/or a touchdown in four straight games, which has dramatically helped take the pressure off of Pickett and the passing offense.

    The key for Pittsburgh to win this game, though, is going to be dependent upon opening up the passing game a bit more. Baltimore is allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game, but the eighth-most passing yards this season.

    If Pickett can get the ball into the hands of his playmakers and trust them to make some big catches downfield to take advantage of the favorable matchup, Pittsburgh could advance to 6-7 on the season and be right back in the hunt.

    Ravens vs. Steelers Prediction
    Steelers 20, Ravens 17

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