Ravens vs Steelers: Best Bets, Odds, Depth Charts (10/8/23) Week 5 NFL
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The Baltimore Ravens travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday (10/8/23). Get Ravens vs. Steelers best bets, odds, and picks; our best bet is Ravens -3.5 points and moneyline.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Best Bet
To put it bluntly, Pittsburgh’s offense stinks. They rank 25th in points per game, 31st in expected points added per play, dead last in PFF’s overall offense grade and own the highest three-and-out frequency at a massive 48 percent (per analyst Arjun Menon).
Kenny Pickett has the highest bad-throw rate in the NFL and nearly the lowest on-target rate, so the Steelers are receiving extremely poor quarterback play. However, it would be irresponsible to simply blame Pickett for their woes. The offensive line cannot block in the slightest, which has led to Pickett owning the second highest dropbacks under pressure frequency per PFF.
Running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are also finding no room to run, thus getting the Steelers into too many second-and-longs or third-and-longs. To make matters worse, tight end Pat Freiermuth is sidelined with an injury, so receiver George Pickens remains the only semi-reliable option on the field for Pickett.
It’s a terrible environment for Pickett, and there’s no reason to assume the Steelers improve offensively anytime soon. They face a Ravens defense that ranks fifth in percentage of opponent drives ending in an offensive score and third in PFF’s overall defense grade. Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen are thriving in all areas, while safeties Kyle Hamilton and Geno Stone are preventing explosive plays. It will be difficult for Pickett to move the ball through the air with Baltimore’s dangerous pass rush tormenting him too.
On the other hand, the Ravens are finding their groove offensively. Rookie receiver Zay Flowers has brought speed and route versatility to this offense, so he complements Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews well. Factor in Lamar Jackson’s legs and an efficient Gus Edwards, and Baltimore fields a balanced offense. Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled against deep shots this year, and Baltimore’s run game won’t allow them to play two-high coverage frequently.
Overall, look for the Ravens to comfortably cruise here.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Best Bet: Ravens -3.5 and moneyline
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds
The Ravens are favored by 3.5 points over their division rival. For Pittsburgh’s +180 moneyline to be a profitable long-term bet, they must win here about 35 percent of the time. The 38 over under is one of the lowest totals across the NFL this week.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Key Injuries
A few notable injuries include Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, and Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Key Matchups
Which team can win these key matchups?
Ravens Offensive Line vs. TJ Watt
Watt currently ranks 11th (min. 75 pass rush snaps) in PFF’s Pass-Rush Productivity, which is a “formula that combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to how many times they rush the passer.” He’s a true game-wrecker that can force turnovers and single handedly stall drives. Pittsburgh desperately needs him to wreak havoc and force Lamar Jackson into mistakes. Otherwise, it will be tough sledding for the Steelers.
Allen Robinson II & Calvin Austin III vs. Ravens Secondary
Kenny Pickett and George Pickens cannot carry this passing offense by themselves, especially against this Ravens secondary. Robinson or Austin (preferably both) must step up and win routes at a much larger rate than usual because Baltimore will often double-cover Pickens. If no Steelers receiver shines, then Pittsburgh’s offense is in for a long game.
Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart
QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: Gus Edwards
RB2: Justice Hill
LWR: Zay Flowers
RWR: Rashod Bateman
SWR: Nelson Agholor
TE1: Mark Andrews
Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart
QB: Kenny Pickett
RB1: Najee Harris
RB2: Jaylen Warren
LWR: George Pickens
RWR: Calvin Austin III
SWR: Allen Robinson II
TE1: Darnell Washington
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