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Steelers Now Favored By 2.5 Points Over Ravens After Jackson, Ingram, Thomas & Others Ruled Out

Hans Themistode

by Hans Themistode in NFL Football

Updated Apr 1, 2020 · 4:13 PM PDT

Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are still alive for an AFC playoff birth in Week 17. Photo by @MMehtaNYDN (Twitter).
  • The Ravens have been the best team all year but plenty of big-name players will rest on the final game of the season
  • With the Steelers still fighting for their playoff lives against a depleted Ravens side, Pittsburgh are now favored
  • Which way will he line move this week?

In the NFL, timing is everything. You don’t want to peak too soon, but just at the right time. The Baltimore Ravens have seemingly gotten that message as they are on a roll as they head into the last game of the season.

With 11 straight wins, the Ravens opened up as 3-point favorites as they host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, with the number-one overall seed already secured, the Ravens have opted to sit out several big-name stars. MVP front runner Lamar Jackson, running back Mark Ingram and safety Earl Thomas headline a long list of players who will be sitting on the sidelines.

Since the announcement, the line has begun to move in favor of the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Odds

Player Spread Moneyline Odds Total
Pittsburgh Steelers -2.5 (-120) -140 O 38 (-115)
Baltimore Ravens +2.5 (+100) +120 U 38 (-105)

Odds taken Dec. 23.

The Return of Robert Griffin III

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Robert Griffin III take the field in a starting role, three years to be exact. He’s seen the field a bit during the 2019 season but he has been used sparingly at best.

The story of Robert Griffin III has been told over and over again. He was a Heisman winner in college and took the league by storm in his first year. His future was as bright as any other quarterback in the league at that time, but of course injuries derailed what could have been a great career.

To say that going from Lamar Jackson to Griffin would be a major drop off would be putting it mildly. Let’s take a look at his 2016 season. Griffin managed to start five games for the Cleveland Browns but failed to impress in any one of them.

Through those five games he threw for 886 yards with only two touchdowns and three interceptions. Fast forward three years later and it is hard to imagine RGIII performing anywhere near his former Pro Bowl self.

Mark Ingram Down and Out

Whenever the Baltimore Ravens are mentioned, the name Lamar Jackson or the defense is often brought up first. It’s for good reason. Jackson will more than likely bring home the MVP trophy, while the defense has been amongst the best all season long.

Someone who doesn’t get nearly the sort of credit that he should, however, is running back Mark Ingram. Through 15 games this season he has managed to rush for 1,018 yards which is good for 11th in the league. He’s also produced a ridiculous five yards a carry. His 10 rushing touchdowns on the year ranks seventh in the league as well.

In short, Ingram has been a key member to the Ravens running attack. With him out, expect Gus Edwards to pick up much more of the load. So what does that mean? Well, let’s just say things won’t be the same with Ingram out of the game.

The Steelers Are Still Playing for Something

The Ravens might have things wrapped up on their end, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still have plenty on the line. With a win coupled with a loss by the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers can punch their ticket to the postseason.

Let’s also not forget that these two teams have possibly the biggest rivalry no matter the sport.

Making the playoffs should be a huge motivation for the Steelers but there could also be an added incentive if they can pull off the win.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is considered a front runner for the coach of the year award due to the ridiculous amount of injuries that his team has had to endure while also playing a winning brand of football. Tomlin would never admit it, but winning the award would mean a lot to him. If he can somehow drag his ball club to the postseason with the amount of turmoil that they had to deal with, then the coach of the year award is all but his.

Will the Line Keep Moving?

The Ravens have been great all year long but there are just way too many names who aren’t playing. The markets are catching up with Pittsburgh becoming the favorite overnight, while the Ravens were still 1-point favorites yesterday evening.

The Steelers are fighting for their playoff lives at this point. They still need a bit of help, but they first need to take care of business against the Ravens.

With juice currently on the Steelers now at 2.5 (-120), expect that this line could continue to move in the Steelers’ favor meaning now could be the time to grab them before it hits a full field goal.

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