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Steelers vs Ravens Odds, Picks, and Predictions – Can Baltimore Keep Playoff Hopes Alive?

Bryan Thiel

by Bryan Thiel in NFL Football

Updated Jan 8, 2022 · 3:16 PM PST

John Harbaugh, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Baltimore. The Rams won 20-19. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1) visit the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) as both AFC North Rivals try to grab a Wild Card spot
  • 2021 Record: 9-8, -0.86 units
  • See the updated Steelers vs Ravens Odds ahead of Week 18 in the NFL season

There are just two playoff spots remaining in the AFC, and if the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens want to book a spot in the NFL playoff bracket, they need a lot of help.

But first one of them needs to take care of business in a classic AFC North showdown.

Baltimore needs the most to go right of any team still with a shot. They need to win, and the Chargers, Colts and Dolphins to lose. The Steelers need slightly less help as they need to win, the Colts to lose, and the Raiders-Chargers tilt not to end in a tie.

The NFL wanted drama when it expanded to a 17-game season, and it’s definitely getting it in year one. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm EST from M&T Bank Stadium

Steelers vs Ravens Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Pittsburgh Steelers +155 +3.5 (-110) Ov 41.0 (-110)
Baltimore Ravens -180 -3.5 (-110) Un 41.0 (-110)

Odds as of January 7th at DraftKings

Baltimore is a home favorite in Week 18, despite the fact they’ve dropped five in a row. Despite the poor outright results, they’ve covered in three of their last four. The Steelers are 3-5 outright and 4-4 ATS over their last eight.

NFL public money is seeing a lot of action on the total, with both bets and handle leaning to the over. Baltimore had a run of three-straight overs snapped against the Rams, while the results are split, 5-5, over the Steelers’ last 10.

With so much to play for, it’s all hands on deck. Neither the Steelers or Ravens will be among  NFL Week 18 teams resting starters.

Steelers vs Ravens Injury Report

When we say all hands on deck, we of course mean the healthy hands.

And unfortunately for Baltimore, that won’t include quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The dynamic dual-threat QB was last seen in-person during Week 14’s loss to the Browns. Since then it has been the Tyler Huntley show thanks to Jackson’s balky ankle.

Week 18 Injury Report

Steelers Injury, Status Ravens Injury, Status
Buddy Johnson, LB Foot, Out Anthony Averett, CB Ribs, Out
Isiah Buggs, DE Illness, Out Lamar Jackson, QB Ankle, Out
Dan Moore Jr, OT Ankle, Doubtful Odafe Oweh, OLB Foot, Doubtful
N/A N/A Ben Powers, G Foot, Questionable
N/A N/A Devin Duvernay, WR Ankle/Knee, Questionable

When it comes to Covid-19, only tight end Nick Boyle landed on the reserve list for the Ravens this week.

Pittsburgh was able to breathe a sigh of relief after star receiver Diontae Johnson’s stay on the Covid-19 reserve was just a day. Both center Kendrick Green and cornerback Joe Haden were activated on Saturday.

Steelers vs Ravens Betting Trends

While the public is heavily backing the over in this one, they’re also on the Ravens all over the board.

As of Friday morning, 57% of the handle had the Ravens covering. Baltimore was also taking in 71% of the handle and 63% of the bets when it came to outright results as well. It’s a lot of confidence in a team that’s lost five in a row.

Steelers vs Ravens: Last Five Games

Date Away Team Home Team Result Closing Line Total
October 6, 2019 Baltimore Ravens Pittsburgh Steelers 26-23 BAL BAL -3.5 44.0 (Over)
December 29, 2019 Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens 28-10 BAL PIT -2.0 35.0 (Over)
November 1, 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens 28-24 PIT BAL -4.0 44.0 (Over)
December 2, 2020 Baltimore Ravens Pittsburgh Steelers 19-14 PIT PIT -10.0 42.0 (Under)
December 5, 2021 Baltimore Ravens Pittsburgh Steelers 20-19 PIT BAL -4.5 44.0 (Under)

Huntley has never faced the Steelers, so there’s no book on how he’ll perform. Since Week 11 he’s put up solid numbers however, averaging 225 yards through the air and 53 on the ground, while mixing in five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) in four games.

While this may be the swan song for Ben Roethlisberger, it isn’t the QB we’ll be used to seeing. Sure he’s coming off of a win, but Roethlisberger also averaged 2.67 yards per attempt against the Browns on Monday night. That number has been below six in each of his last three starts.

Then again, Baltimore’s pass defense is easily exploitable, and they’ll be missing Anthony Averett for a second-straight week.

Steelers vs Ravens Prediction

Being favored in this rivalry doesn’t exactly seem like an enviable position, as neither team has covered in their last five head-to-head when favored.

Huntley has done well enough to keep the Ravens afloat since Jackson went down. His favorite target has been Mark Andrews, and the tight end has gone on a tear. But the Steelers have defended the position well this year, and Andrews doesn’t typically dominate against Pittsburgh.

Johnson’s availability is a big boost to Pittsburgh’s odds, making them a worthy road dog. But there’s steady rain in the forecast, which could make for a messy, low-scoring day.

The Pick: Under 41.0 (-110), 0.5 units; Pittsburgh Steelers (+155), 0.5 units

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