This Sunday’s NFL action brings a riveting clash as the Baltimore Ravens face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Both teams enter this game with contrasting recent results. While the Ravens dominated the Browns with a 28-3 victory, the Steelers faced a crushing 30-6 defeat against the Texans.
Starting their season against the Texans, the Ravens celebrated a decisive 25-9 win. Their momentum continued into Week 2 with a narrow 27-24 victory over the Bengals but stumbled in their third game, losing 22-19 to the Colts in overtime. Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback, rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Colts. During their recent victory against the Browns, Jackson passed for 186 yards, scored two touchdowns through the air, and added two more on the ground. Gus Edwards supported with 48 rushing yards, and Mark Andrews shone as a receiver, amassing 80 yards with two touchdowns from five receptions. Historically, the Ravens have underperformed on the road after a win, losing four of the last five in such circumstances. Additionally, they’ve struggled to cover the spread in seven out of their last eight games after a win. However, they’ve excelled in certain areas, ranking first in red zone percentage (80.0%).
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers began their season on a shaky note, with a 30-7 loss at home to the 49ers. However, they rebounded with a 26-22 victory against the Browns and followed it with a 23-18 win over the Raiders. Quarterback Kenny Pickett’s 235-yard, two-touchdown performance was vital in the win over the Raiders. Against the Texans, the Steelers faced a massive 16-0 deficit at halftime, which expanded to a 30-6 loss. Pickett’s performance dropped to 114 yards with an interception, while Najee Harris rushed for 71 yards and led in receiving with a 32-yard catch. Notably, the Steelers have consistently emerged victorious in their last seven games at home after a loss. They also covered the spread in each of those games. Statistically, they lead the NFL in total punt yards (1135) and tie for second place in forced fumbles (8).
Prediction
In matchups as intense as Ravens-Steelers, records and stats often take a backseat, making the outcome unpredictable. The Ravens’ defense was outstanding against the Browns, allowing a mere 166 total yards. Their offense, however, found itself stymied, particularly on third downs, converting only 4-of-12 attempts. The Steelers, despite their recent losses, might benefit from the divisional rivalry, pushing the game to be tighter and possibly low-scoring. Yet, considering recent performances, Baltimore seems better positioned, potentially controlling the game and covering the -3.5 spread in BUSR NFL Odds.ย