First place in the AFC North will be on the line when the Ravens visit the Steelers on Sunday. Pittsburgh leads Baltimore by a half-game. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Over 47 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Ravens vs. Steelers
Sunday, November 17, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Acrisure Stadium
Baltimore’s Epic Comeback Against Cincinnati
In a thrilling Thursday night showdown, Lamar Jackson led a furious charge with three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, lifting the Ravens to a 35-34 victory over the Bengals. Baltimore clawed back from a 21-7 third-quarter deficit, overcoming a huge game from Cincinnati’s star receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
The Ravens accumulated 231 of their 389 total yards in the fourth quarter alone. Jackson was phenomenal, completing 25 of 33 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Derrick Henry added 68 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, while Tylan Wallace contributed three receptions for 115 yards and a score.
Jackson’s game-sealing kneel-down left Baltimore just short of 100 rushing yards, ending their streak of 42 consecutive games with at least 100 yards on the ground—one shy of tying the NFL record.
Pittsburgh’s Close Win in Washington
Russell Wilson overcame his first interception in nearly a year and connected with midseason acquisition Mike Williams for a 32-yard touchdown with less than three minutes to play. This decisive score marked Wilson’s third touchdown pass of the game and secured the Steelers a 28-27 comeback victory over the Commanders.
The Steelers extended their winning streak to four games, including three since Wilson replaced Justin Fields as the starter. Wilson’s performance was effective despite its flaws: 14 of 28 completions for 195 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
George Pickens was a key target, hauling in five passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Jaylen Warren chipped in with 66 yards on 14 carries, while Najee Harris added 53 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, showcasing the Steelers’ balanced ground attack.
Keys to the Game
Jackson’s performance against Cincinnati highlighted his dual-threat prowess. Pittsburgh’s defense, a crucial part of their current winning streak, will need to pressure Jackson early and often.
The Steelers’ ability to disrupt the pocket and force Jackson into quick decisions will be vital. However, Jackson’s knack for thriving under pressure and connecting with deep threats like Wallace and Zay Flowers could swing the game Baltimore’s way.
Pittsburgh’s ground game has been effective, with Warren contributing 66 yards on 14 carries and Harris adding 53 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries against Washington.
The Ravens’ defensive line must contain this duo to prevent sustained, clock-chewing drives.
On the other side, Henry’s 68-yard, one-touchdown effort against Cincinnati shows that Baltimore’s ground game could be crucial in managing possession and limiting the Steelers’ offensive chances.
Wilson’s composure was key in the Steelers’ win over the Commanders. His ability to link up with Williams for decisive plays will challenge Baltimore’s secondary.
If Wilson can maintain his late-game prowess, Pittsburgh could capitalize on Baltimore’s defensive vulnerabilities. However, Wilson’s interception showed a vulnerability the Ravens could exploit to create game-changing turnovers.
Both teams have quarterbacks capable of big plays and defenses skilled in forcing mistakes, making turnovers a potentially decisive factor.
Baltimore’s defense will aim to pressure Wilson into hurried decisions, while Pittsburgh’s defense looks to unsettle Jackson.
Special teams will also be crucial for field position and could sway the game’s outcome.
NFL Pick
Anticipate a fierce, back-and-forth contest with both teams trading scoring drives and testing each other’s mettle. The Ravens’ ability to rack up yards in critical moments and Jackson’s current form could give them the edge but this can be a high-scoring contest.
NFL Pick: Over 47 (-110) at Bet365
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