The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have developed one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL over the last few years. The latest installment will likely determine which team comes out on top in the AFC North this season. The Steelers enter Week 16 with a one game lead over Baltimore for the top spot in the division with two games to go but Baltimore beat them earlier in the season and could pretty much secure the division title with a win this weekend.
Moneyline: Steelers -260
Handicap/Spread Odds: Steelers -6
Total O/U: 44.5
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 11/06/16 | PIT 14 – BAL 21 | BAL 3.5 | U 46 |
| 12/27/15 | PIT 17 – BAL 20 | BAL 11 | U 47.5 |
| 10/01/15 | BAL 23 – PIT 20 x | Push 3.0 | U 44 |
| 01/03/15 | BAL 30 – PIT 17 | BAL 3 | P 47 |
| 11/02/14 | BAL 23 – PIT 43 | PIT -2.5 | O 47.5 |
On The Ravens Side of the Ball (8-6 Record, 6-8 ATS)
The Ravens survived a potential trap game against the Philadelphia Eagles last week when they pulled out the 27-26 win at home to keep their playoff hopes alive and now they get the opportunity to take control of their own destiny with a win over Pittsburgh. The defense will certainly need to be better after giving up 169 rushing yards on 4.4 yards per carry, especially with Le’Veon Bell lined up on the other side of the football. Baltimore held Carson Wentz to just 170 yards and an interception but this week will represent a much more difficult test against Ben Roethlisberger and company. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco completed just 16-of-30 pass attempts against the Eagles, which marked his lowest completion percentage in any game this season. The offense needs to be better with the season essentially on the line as a win would push Baltimore in to the division lead while a loss will eliminate them from postseason contention.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/18/16 | PHI | W 27-26 | L -5 | O 41 |
| 12/12/16 | @NE | L 23-30 | L 6 | O 45 |
| 12/04/16 | MIA | W 38-6 | W -3.5 | O 41.5 |
| 11/27/16 | CIN | W 19-14 | W -3.5 | U 41.5 |
| 11/20/16 | @DAL | L 17-27 | L 7 | U 44.5 |
On The Steelers Side of the Ball (9-5 Record, 9-5 ATS)
Pittsburgh trailed by as many as 14 points before coming back to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-20 on the road last week. Now they will head back home with a chance to secure a division title but they will have a very tough test against a Ravens side that is fighting to keep their season alive. Le’Veon Bell has been a consistent force on offense but the Steelers need more from Ben Roethlisberger, who has just one touchdown pass in his last two games. Pittsburgh could still be a little beaten up after a rough game against the rival Bengals so it will be interesting to see how they bounce back from a physical perspective. Meanwhile, the Steelers defense shut down Cincinnati in the second half last week and limited them to just 222 total yards. Pittsburgh hasn’t allowed more than 20 points at any point during its five-game win streak and will need another strong effort this week to take down Baltimore.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/18/16 | @CIN | W 24-20 | W -3 | U 45.5 |
| 12/11/16 | @BUF | W 27-20 | W -1 | O 45.5 |
| 12/04/16 | NYG | W 24-14 | W -6.5 | U 49.5 |
| 11/24/16 | @IND | W 28-7 | W -8 | U 50 |
| 11/20/16 | @CLE | W 24-9 | W -8 | U 45.5 |
Quick Analysis
The Ravens have won their last two games in Pittsburgh but they haven’t won three straight on the road against the Steelers since a three-game run from 1999 through 2001. Baltimore is 4-0 against AFC North opponents this season. Meanwhile, the Steelers are 4-2 at home this season and 9-5-0 against the spread overall.
Prediction
Both teams will bring their best to the table in a game that will essentially decide the AFC North and while Pittsburgh might have an edge at home it seems like they are giving up a lot of points on the line. Baltimore is a good team that handled them easily with a 21-14 win at home earlier this season and the Ravens need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Baltimore might very well come up just short on the road in this one but they should at least be able to cover in what is essentially a one-game playoff in Week 16. These two teams typically play very tight football contests.
Pick: Ravens +5
Note: The betting odds are subject to change throughout the week leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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