The Ravens are field-goal favorites over the Steelers ahead of their game Sunday in Pittsburgh, according to Las Vegas sportsbooks.
After a tense home win Sunday night over the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens (8-3) are favored by 3 ½ points over Pittsburgh, which is coming off its worst loss ever under longtime coach Mike Tomlin. The Bengals routed the Steelers, 41-10, in Cincinnati on Sunday, the second straight game in which Pittsburgh has allowed over 40 points.
The Steelers (5-5-1) could also be without star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday after reportedly testing positive for the coronavirus. Watt has 12 ½ sacks in nine games this season, the second most in the NFL.
According to Covers.com’s historical odds, which date to the 2006 season, the Ravens have never been favored by more than 3 ½ points in Pittsburgh under coach John Harbaugh. They were 3 ½-point favorites in 2019, when Pittsburgh started quarterback Mason Rudolph in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger. They were also three-point favorites in 2015 and 2012, when Michael Vick and Byron Leftwich started for the injured Roethlisberger, respectively. The Ravens won all three games by a field goal.
Roethlisberger is expected to start Sunday, but he’s coming off a poor outing. He finished 24-for-41 for 263 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions Sunday in Cincinnati, and his QBR (28.3) was the second lowest of his season.
The Ravens, who lead the AFC North and have yet to play Pittsburgh this season, have fared well against division opponents recently. They’re 9-2 against the spread against the Steelers, Browns and Bengals over their past 11 meetings. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is 1-6 against the spread in its past seven home games overall, according to CBS Sports.
The Steelers, who swept last season’s series after the Ravens took the 2019 series, lead the all-time rivalry, 30-24. Because of illness and scheduling circumstances, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has started just twice against Pittsburgh, winning in 2019 in Heinz Field and losing in Baltimore last year.
The over/under for Sunday’s game is 44 points.
Source: Berkshire mont
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