The AFC North’s top contenders square off as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Ravens -6.5 (-105) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Steelers vs. Ravens
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 04:30 PM ET at M&T Bank Stadium
Steelers Stumble Against Eagles
The Steelers’ 27-13 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday was costly on multiple fronts. Star linebacker T.J. Watt left the game with an apparent foot injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. Watt, who leads the team with 11.5 sacks this season, is a critical part of Pittsburgh’s defense, and his absence could loom large.
Offensively, the Steelers struggled to gain traction. Russell Wilson endured a tough outing, managing just 128 passing yards—the lowest mark of his season—while completing 14 of 22 passes. His lone touchdown came on a nine-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth, but he fell to 6-1 lifetime against the Eagles. The ground game was even less effective, as Najee Harris totaled only 14 yards on six carries.
With George Pickens sidelined for the second straight game due to a hamstring injury, Calvin Austin III stepped up, hauling in five passes for 65 yards. However, the offense’s inability to stretch the field was evident. Pickens, who leads the team with 55 receptions and 850 receiving yards, remains questionable for Saturday’s matchup.
Chris Boswell was one of the few bright spots for Pittsburgh, connecting on field goals of 37 and 49 yards to bring his season total to 38.
Ravens Roll Over Giants
Baltimore delivered a statement win with a 35-14 thrashing of the Giants on Sunday, led by Lamar Jackson’s electrifying play. Jackson tied his career high with five touchdown passes while completing 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards and adding 65 rushing yards on six carries. His quarterback rating of 154.6 was nearly perfect.
Jackson showcased his chemistry with Rashod Bateman, connecting for touchdowns of 49 and 20 yards. Tight end Mark Andrews added a 13-yard score, while Devontez Walker and Justice Hill also contributed touchdown receptions. With 34 passing touchdowns this season, Jackson is firmly in the MVP conversation.
Derrick Henry chipped in 67 rushing yards on 14 carries to round out Baltimore’s balanced attack.
Keys to the Game
Jackson’s dominance continues to be the focal point of Baltimore’s success. His five-touchdown performance last week highlighted his ability to shred defenses both through the air and on the ground. Without Watt, the Steelers’ ability to disrupt Jackson’s rhythm is severely hampered, leaving the secondary under immense pressure to contain Bateman and Andrews.
Pittsburgh’s rushing woes are a major concern. Harris, who was limited to just 14 yards on six carries against Philadelphia, will face a Baltimore front that excels at shutting down opposing run games. If Harris cannot establish himself early, the Steelers’ offense risks becoming predictable, making it easier for Baltimore’s defense to control the game.
Wilson must rebound after a season-low performance against the Eagles, where he managed just 128 passing yards. Without Pickens, his options are limited, though Austin III showed flashes of promise last week. Wilson will need to protect the ball and make quick decisions to avoid turnovers against Baltimore’s disciplined secondary.
Jackson’s efficiency in distributing the ball to Bateman, Andrews, and others creates significant challenges for Pittsburgh’s secondary. Bateman’s ability to stretch the field and Andrews’ dominance in the red zone pose mismatches for the Steelers, especially if they cannot generate consistent pressure on Jackson.
Boswell remains a reliable scoring option for Pittsburgh, adding two more field goals last week. However, relying on field goals won’t be enough to keep pace with Baltimore’s high-powered offense. The Ravens’ ability to finish drives with touchdowns could be the deciding factor.
NFL Pick
The Steelers enter this game undermanned and outmatched. Without Watt to anchor the defense and Pickens to spark the offense, Pittsburgh could face an uphill battle against a Ravens team firing on all cylinders. Jackson’s dynamic playmaking and Baltimore’s balanced attack should overwhelm the Steelers early, leaving little room for a comeback.
NFL Pick: Ravens -6.5 (-105) at Bet365
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