Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Free Picks

Don’t Miss Our Expert Predictions and Picks for the Epic Steelers vs. Ravens Showdown on December 21, 2024!

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens Prediction and Picks - December 21, 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face off against the Baltimore Ravens for a pivotal clash in the AFC North on Saturday. The matchup will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium, famously known as Charm City.

The Ravens enter the game as 6.5-point favorites, with the total points predicted to reach 45.

Pittsburgh (10-4 SU, 10-4 ATS, and 7-7 O/U) comes into this game after suffering a 27-13 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, marking a 2-2 record over their last four games.

Baltimore (9-5 SU, 7-6-1 ATS, and 11-3 O/U) is riding high after a convincing 35-14 win against the New York Giants. Like the Steelers, they are also 2-2 in their past four games.

The last encounter between these rivals saw Pittsburgh narrowly defeat Baltimore 18-16 on November 17. The Steelers have historically performed well against the Ravens, holding an 8-2 record straight-up and a 7-3 record against the spread in their last ten meetings. Additionally, the under has been a common outcome, hitting in eight of those ten games.

About the Author: Michael Briggs

Currently, Michael is on a remarkable 12-2 run with his NFL Best Bets and boasts a 14-6 record in his last 20 overall NFL wagers. Interested bettors can subscribe to his premium picks this weekend!

Who is favored to win this important NFL matchup? Read further for insights into the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens prediction!

Steelers Face Challenges as Passing Game Stumbles Without Pickens

Pittsburgh’s recent loss to Philadelphia showcased significant weaknesses in their offense, which only managed a mere 163 total yards. The Eagles dominated the game, recording over 400 total yards and controlling possession for 19 more minutes than the Steelers. The absence of top receiver George Pickens, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, severely impacted the Steelers’ passing capabilities, resulting in only 107 passing yards on 22 attempts (4.5 YPA). Despite this setback, the Steelers have secured a playoff berth, though Coach Mike Tomlin expressed disappointment.

“Not as I stand here today. We had a game to play today. We wanted to win it and we didn’t,” he remarked. “Some of that other stuff is less relevant to us.”

Quarterback Russell Wilson heads the Steelers’ passing game, accumulating 1,912 yards, 13 touchdowns, and three interceptions over eight games. With Pickens out (who has 55 receptions for 850 yards and three TDs), Wilson will lean on tight end Pat Freiermuth (47 receptions for 492 yards and six TDs) and wide receiver Calvin Austin III (47 receptions for 452 yards and four TDs). The ground attack is spearheaded by running back Najee Harris, who has carried the ball 229 times for 891 yards and five touchdowns.

Pittsburgh’s offense averages 24.0 points (10th) and 325.6 total yards (18th), with 198.9 passing yards (24th) and 126.6 rushing yards (10th). Defensively, they allow 18.9 points (6th) and 316.6 total yards (9th) each game, including 222.3 passing yards (22nd) and 94.4 rushing yards (4th).

Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report: WR George Pickens (hamstring) is out. LB T.J. Watt (ankle), DT Larry Ogunjobi (groin), S DeShon Elliott (hamstring), and C Zach Frazier (ankle) are questionable for Saturday’s game against Baltimore.

Ravens Aim for Dominance in Saturday’s Matchup

Baltimore displayed a strong performance against the New York Giants last weekend, outgaining them 445-236 in total yards. The Ravens were remarkably efficient, converting 9 of their 11 third-down attempts while holding the Giants to just 2 out of 12. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was exceptional, completing 21 of 25 passes for 275 yards (9.8 YPA), while the rushing attack contributed an impressive 170 yards at an average of 5.5 yards per carry.

“All around he had a great game,” commented Baltimore coach John Harbaugh regarding Jackson’s performance. “He’s been locked in all season, all week. He’s on the guys in meetings, walk-throughs, everything. He’s keeping it about football and getting the football right.”

This season, Jackson has completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,580 yards, with 34 touchdowns and three interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 743 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. His primary targets include wide receiver Zay Flowers (66 receptions for 916 yards and four TDs) and Rashod Bateman (38 receptions for 654 yards and seven TDs). The Ravens’ rushing game is led by running back Derrick Henry, who has amassed 1,474 yards and 13 touchdowns on 254 carries.

Baltimore averages 29.9 points (3rd) and 424.1 total yards (1st), including 245.6 passing yards (3rd) and 178.4 rushing yards (2nd). On defense, they allow 23.7 points (22nd) and 339.6 total yards (17th) each game, with 258.9 passing yards (31st) and a league-best 80.7 rushing yards (1st).

Baltimore Ravens Injury Report: WR Rashod Bateman (foot), S Ar’Darius Washington (ankle), WR Nelson Agholor (concussion), CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring), LB Adisa Isaac (hamstring), and S Sanoussi Kane (hamstring) are questionable for Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh.

Stay informed this football season! Check out our NFL Picks!

Best Bets for Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

Source

Written By

Dave Gallo is a leading sports bettor and handicapper since 1999, known for his impressive 10-0 winning streaks. A journalism, advertising, and media studies major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he combines his betting expertise with academic knowledge. Gallo's strong work ethic and passion for sports fuel his ongoing success and scholarly pursuits.

You May Also Like

Free Picks

The Washington Commanders (12-5) face off against the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) in a high-stakes NFC Championship game, with the winner earning a coveted spot...

Free Picks

In this Bills vs. Chiefs prediction, the Buffalo Bills travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. The Bills...

Free Picks

This Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The highly anticipated NFL playoff matchup...

Free Picks

The Baltimore Ravens are set to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night in a game that many consider the marquee matchup of the...