The Baltimore Ravens (0-3) travel to play the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) looking to snap their three-game losing streak. This game will feature the NFL’s second-leading receiver, Antonio Brown (436 yards, 2 TDs), and third-leading receiver, Steve Smith Sr. (349 yards, 2 TDs). It starts at 8:25 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct 1 and can be seen on CBS and NFLN.
Baltimore is a small two-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is 45 points.
The Steelers enter the game with records of 2-1 Straight Up (SU) and 2-0-1 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. Pittsburgh sets the tone offensively with its passing attack, which averages a league-best 298.7 yards per game. Turning to the Steelers defense, a few key spots could be deciding factors this week. The Ravens may have a difficult time running against the Steelers. The Ravens average 72.7 yards per game on the ground, 27th in the NFL. Mistakes and a lack of focus could be factors that benefit the Steelers in the game. The Ravens are one of the most penalized teams in the league with 8.7 flags per game.
Compared to the Steelers, the Ravens have started the season slowly with records of 0-3 SU and ATS this season. Baltimore can plan on throwing the ball regularly. Offenses have picked apart the pass defense of the Steelers, who allow a completion percentage of 72.0%, 29th in the league. Shifting to the other side of the ball, the Baltimore defense can dominate if it takes advantage of some favorable matchups. The Ravens rush defense makes opponents earn every yard, allowing 3.4 yards per rush. The Ravens generally save their best for last, averaging 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Predictions: SU Winner – Pit, ATS Winner – Pit, O/U – Under
Notes
Pittsburgh is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games.
Pittsburgh is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Pittsburgh’s last 14 games at home.
Pittsburgh is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home.
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore.
Pittsburgh is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Baltimore.
Pittsburgh is 2-0 SU when leading after three quarters this season.
The Pittsburgh rushing attack is ranked only 21st in the league, while the Baltimore run defense is ranked eighth. The Ravens’ rushing game is ranked just 27th, compared to the ninth-ranked run defense of the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has allowed 17.3 points per game this year, which is ranked only 22nd in the league. Baltimore has scored 23.3 points per game this year, ranking 16th overall.
