Ravens vs. Steelers Odds: Point Spread, Total & Prediction

“If you can’t get up for that, then you’re a dead man”.

Despite Steelers kicker Chris Boswell’s six field goals in the win over the Bengals last weekend, the Ravens have an edge in a battle of the boots. If they lose, they’ll be on the outside looking in at the playoffs, with only one week remaining.

Riding a 5-game winning streak, the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, in a afternoon national TV game on Christmas day.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. the Ravens’ secondary. Miami’s victory means both AFC wild-card teams will have at least 10 wins, and the Ravens can only reach 10 wins by taking the division. Pittsburgh can’t have three-and-outs on Sunday. Pittsburgh responded the way that contenders do, and finding ways to win has granted them the ability to enter the postseason on a strong note.

But can the Steelers be at their physical best so soon after a knock-down-drag-out with the Cincinnati Bengals?

Baltimore has won four consecutive games in Pittsburgh, including the past two.

Nothing is more disheartening than watching Roethlisberger throw a screen pass on third-and-long.

Expect eyes shadowing Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh’s leading receiver, throughout the entire game. Baltimore’s top cornerback, Jimmy Smith, is expected to miss the game with an ankle injury. Pass rush will over compensate for the loss of Jimmy Smith.

“It is not about being comfortable there or not being comfortable there”, said quarterback Joe Flacco, who is a respectable 5-6 in Pittsburgh.

Burns has shown good cover skills since the beginning of the season but tackling was an issue for the 6-foot, 197-pound speedster. “I think people are going to be sitting at home on Christmas and loving the fact that they get to watch Ravens-Steelers”.

“I think he is going to be a great one”, Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace said.

But when the rivalry resumes on Sunday at Heinz Field, Foster maintains the Steelers will be better positioned to provide what’s required. Against Philadelphia, the Ravens allowed 169 yards on the ground. In the first meeting this season between the Steelers and Ravens, Bell rushed for a season-low 32 yards on 14 carries. At the time, the Ravens were in control of the game and the clock, yet Mornhinweg opted to throw the ball in what Harbaugh later called “the all-time worst (play) call ever”. However, they have defeated the Steelers in four consecutive games in the series, including a 21-14 win November 6.

A lot of this scenario still depends on the outcome of the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium tonight, but let’s update the AFC Playoff Picture after most teams have completed Week 16. Burns made his first National Football League start against the Ravens last month and recorded his first interception in the first quarter. But that’s because the Ravens have been terrible at running the football. They have also fumbled three times this season.

Pittsburgh is a five-point favorite versus Baltimore in the day game but has lost the past four meetings, going 0-3-1 against the spread.

The Steelers (9-5) can clinch the AFC North title with a victory today over rival Baltimore.

The victor will likely advance to the playoffs.