Ravens vs. Steelers Prediction: Pickett's First Real Test
By Josh Yourish
You’ve heard it all before, “you can throw out the record books when these two teams play,” but there is something special about AFC North football, especially when it matters in December.
This is the best rivalry in the sport and there’s no question about that in my mind, and now Kenny Pickett has a chance to join the history of this rivalry. This is the first of two matchup left this season and Lamar Jackson won’t be playing in the first, he is out with an injury and that opens the door for the 5-7 Pittsburgh Steelers to play spoiler to the 8-4 Baltimore Ravens or even sneak into the postseason themselves.
Let’s get to the odds for Steelers and Ravens
Ravens vs. Steelers Odds, Spread and Total
Ravens vs. Steelers Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Week 14
The Ravens opened as two point favorites, but it has swung in the other direction and now the Steelers are two point favorites at home.
Ravens vs. Steelers Prediction and Pick
The Steelers have actually owned Lamar Jackson, they’ve played him better than any team in the league, so it might not be as big of a dropoff to Huntley than it would be against other teams. Last year, Huntley faced the Steelers in Week 18 and went 16 of 31 for 141 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, but did run for 72 yards in the 16-13 Steelers win. So, both Baltimore QBs have a bad track record against Mike Tomlin’s defenses.
On the other side, Kenny Pickett could have some struggles against this Baltimore defense, not because of how they play the pass, but because they’ll be able to slow down the run game. Pittsburgh has not been able to run the ball the past two seasons at all, but lately they’ve found a rhythm there. They’re now middle of the pack in rush yards per game, last week they ran for 154 against Atlanta. The Ravens have the No. 2 run defense in the league, so Pickett will have to make plays with his arm.
He has played much better over the past few weeks as well, not turning the ball over in four straight games. Pickett can now be trusted to make just enough big plays to win his team football games and that’s exactly what he’ll do in his Steelers/Ravens debut.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change