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This is a very important game to pay attention to for Week 18. The Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers who are both still trying to make the playoffs. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Steelers-Ravens prediction and pick.
The Steelers are still in the hunt for the playoffs but need a lot of help. The Ravens are in the same position but it starts with this game. Neither team makes it in without a win and help from some other teams. The Steelers are enjoying a win at home against the Browns last Monday night. That was likely Big Ben Roethlisberger's last home game of his career. They need to quickly move on because without beating the Ravens, this could be his last game in the NFL.
For more insight on the Steelers-Ravens matchup in Week 18, listen below:
The Ravens need the most help. They need to win, The Las Vegas Raiders need to beat the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars need to miraculously beat the Indianapolis Colts. If that all happens we will see Baltimore in the postseason. Lamar Jackson did not practice this week once again and it out for Sunday's game. That will be a huge factor once again. Although, the Ravens almost beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17, so they feel confident in their ability to compete with Tyler Huntley at QB.
Here are the Steelers-Ravens NFL odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NFL Odds: Steelers-Ravens Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers: +3.5 (-110)
Baltimore Ravens: -3.5 (-110)
Over: 41.5 (-110)
Under: 41.5 (-110)
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Why The Steelers Could Cover The Spread
The Steelers narrowly defeated the Ravens the last time they met, 20-19. With the Ravens now hosting, they are the favorites coming in. The Steelers are going to need to find a way to stop the run. They are 31st in the NFL against the run and will likely be forced to stop it all game long. This is the final game of the season, teams are going to use the numbers to try and win. If the Steelers can't stop the run, then the Ravens will make that a major part of their game plan. The Ravens are 5th in the NFL in the rush, so it seems to be a very favorable matchup for them.
The Steelers are 7-9 against the spread. That isn't a good sign for bettors even though the Steelers have a winning record. Both teams are dealing with injuries but another major one is that cornerback Joe Haden hit the covid-19 list Wednesday. The Steelers are going to need to play their best game of the season to win this game. They've beaten the Ravens three-straight times and seven of their last 10.
Why The Ravens Could Cover The Spread
The Ravens are currently favored by a touchdown. This seems fair considering they have been in most of the games they have played. They are 8-8 against the spread, however, so they will need to win by at least a touchdown to get this done. The Ravens still have one of the best offenses in the NFL even without Jackson. Clearly, they want the former MVP out there but they will need to find a way to win without him. The Steelers are likely going to have a better chance of covering than the Ravens do.
If the Ravens can manage to contain TJ Watt on defense, then Huntley or Jackson will have the chance to play better. He is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and can take over a game on his own. If Baltimore can game plan against him, then they will have a good chance to win this game.
Final Steelers-Ravens Prediction & Pick
I'm taking the Steelers to cover this spread. This game can go either way but I expect the Steelers to finish strong. Considering this could be Roethlisberger's last game, I don't want to believe it goes bad for him.
Final Steelers-Ravens Prediction & Pick: Steelers +3.5 (-110)
