Baltimore Ravens (3-1) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
In an iconic AFC North clash, the Baltimore Ravens (3-1) head to Acrisure Stadium to battle their fierce rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2). As both teams gear up for another chapter in their storied rivalry, NFL analysts eagerly await to see which team will come out on top. Given the season records so far, the Ravens appear to have a slight edge. Yet, with such rich histories and passion on both sides, predicting an outcome isn’t always straightforward. For those looking for some free football betting tips, this match-up provides ample opportunities to gauge.
The Ravens’ offensive approach is anchored by their run game, led by Gus Edwards. With 193 yards on 44 attempts, Edwards has proven to be a dependable force. Yet, he’s not the only one moving the chains; the receiver Zay Flowers, with 24 receptions from 29 targets, has accumulated 244 yards. While Flowers hasn’t found the end zone just yet, his ability to stretch the field and generate YAC (yards after catch) with 115 yards, suggests he’s a looming threat.
On the Steelers’ side, they’ve relied heavily on Najee Harris to spearhead their ground game. Harris, amassing 210 yards on 49 carries, showcases his capability to churn out significant yardage. Through the air, the Steelers have an emerging star in George Pickens. Averaging an impressive 16.4 yards per reception, Pickens has pulled in 263 yards from 16 receptions, proving that when Pickett targets him, big plays are often the result.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Game Info
| When: | Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Lamar Jackson QB vs. Kenny Pickett QB
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback, continues to impress with his dual-threat capabilities. Over four games, Jackson completed 78 out of 105 passes, boasting a 74.3% completion rate and throwing for 794 yards. With 4 touchdowns and just a single interception, his passer rating stands strong at 104.2. But Jackson isn’t just a pocket passer; his agility and speed make him a constant running threat, forcing defenses to stay honest.
Contrarily, the Steelers’ Kenny Pickett is striving to find consistency. He’s completed 77 out of 127 attempts, reflecting a 60.6% completion rate. While his passing yards stand at 803, just marginally higher than Jackson, Pickett has tossed 4 interceptions to match his 4 touchdowns, culminating in a passer rating of 76.3. The sack count, identical for both QBs at 11, implies that offensive line protection is a concern they both share.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Baltimore Ravens -190, Total Odds: 40
Currently, the Ravens are favored at -190, with a spread of -3.5, highlighting their early-season success and the analysts’ belief in their continued dominance. With a total set at 40, the expectation is a moderately scoring affair, fitting for two teams known for their tenacious defenses.
Baltimore Ravens Betting Trends
The Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last six outings, suggesting they often outperform betting expectations. However, their history against the Steelers paints a different picture with a 2-4 ATS in their last six face-offs. Interestingly, when on the road against Pittsburgh, the total has often gone UNDER, suggesting a tight, defensive contest.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Steelers, 6-2 ATS in their previous eight games, have shown resilience and an ability to cover spreads. Their record against the Ravens is commendable, standing at 5-1 SU in their last six encounters. In a pattern reflecting defensive prowess, the total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games against Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 10/8/23 Betting Picks
Analyzing both teams’ performance and historical trends, this match-up promises to be a close contest. While the Ravens are favored and have shown a strong start this season, the Steelers’ recent dominance over Baltimore can’t be overlooked.
For those exploring the top live dealer websites and placing bets, consider leaning towards the Ravens to cover the spread, given their season’s form. Yet, considering the defensive nature of both teams and their past meetings, betting the UNDER might be a wise choice.
Free Pick and Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
