Ravens vs Steelers (12/11/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

There are few events more classic in the modern NFL than a December matchup between these two bitter AFC north rivals. However, with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s status up in the air after a knee injury and the Steelers at 5-7, this game likely won’t mirror the intense playoff-at-stakes battles of years past. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a hard fought battle between these two, even if just for the sake of pride and bragging rights in the AFC North. Let’s take a closer look at the odds and matchups.

Baltimore Ravens Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds

Amid the Lamar Jackson injury, the Steelers are favored (-2.5) by a field goal over the Ravens (+2.5). The over/under is set at just 36.5, the lowest of the week and one of the lowest totals of the season.

Baltimore Ravens Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction

The Steelers were written off pretty early into the season, and while their remaining playoff hopes are slim they have still shown promise as of late. Pittsburgh has won 3 out of their last 4 games and rookie QB Kenny Pickett has improved, playing with more efficiency. After throwing 8 interceptions in his first 4 games, he has thrown 0 in his 4 most recent contests. Though it’s highly unlikely the Steelers reach the playoffs, they still have a chance to cross .500 and keep Mike Tomlin’s streak of never having a losing season alive, which should be enough motivation for the team to continue their reemergence.

The Ravens were another team who saw a critical quarterback injury this past week. In the thick of the playoff race, Lamar suffered a sprained PCL and has been ruled “week to week” by his team. Baltimore managed to escape with a win despite having to turn to backup QB Tyler Huntley, but desperately hopes for Lamar to return soon, especially as the Bengals inch closer to snatching the division title away. Huntley also had his worst game of the season last year versus the Steelers, completing only 51% of his passes, throwing two interceptions, and finishing with a passer rating of just 37.2. The Ravens will have to rely on their defense, who have kept opponents to under 15 points in 3 of their last 4 games. Given the Kenny Pickett led Steelers are hardly lighting up the stats sheet, this is certainly possible.

I believe the Steelers will pull off the win. Despite the Ravens needing this game much more for their playoff hopes in the competitive AFC, they have not looked like the same or dominant team since their bye week. The Steelers have improved significantly the past few weeks, and will benefit if Lamar is unable to take the field.

Prediction: Steelers 24-17, Over hits

Betting Trends

Ravens are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Steelers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries

Baltimore Ravens Injuries: Ronnie Stanley (Q), Del’Shawn Phillips (Q), Lamar Jackson (Q), Josh Ross (Q),
Trent Harris (Q), Kristian Welch (Q), Patrick Queen (Q), J.K. Dobbins (Q), Marcus Williams (Q)

Pittsburgh Steelers Injuries: William Jackson III (Q), Chris Boswell (Q)

Key Matchups

The Steelers Offensive Line vs the Ravens Defensive Front

The Steelers have a tough matchup against the Ravens defensive front this Sunday. The Ravens have sacked opposing quarterbacks 37 times, 5th most in the league while the Steelers are top 10 in sacks allowed on the season. Justin Houston leads the Ravens in sacks with 9, but has not reached the quarterback in a couple weeks. Still, even when the Ravens pass rush isn’t overwhelming, their run defense is. The Ravens are second in run defense, only to the 49ers. They have not allowed 100 yards rushing in five straight games and in four out of those five games did not allow even 50 yards rushing to opposing offenses. The Steelers running attack has improved lately, with Najee Harris rushing for over 80 yards in three of his last four games. Still, Harris has yet to cross the 100 yard mark this season, so watch for the Ravens to stuff him.

Ravens Run Attack vs Steelers Run Defense

Despite the Lamar Jackson injury, the good news for the Ravens is they have the third best run offense in the NFL, averaging 157.8 rushing yards per game. The bad news is Jackson is also their leading rusher by over 300 yards. No other Raven has crossed the half-century mark rushing the past three games, which does not bode well versus the Steelers surprising 7th best run defense. The Steelers were infamously known for their bad run defense last season, ranking worst in the league, but getting their defensive line healthy and the emergence of free agent Myles Jack has certainly helped. Hopefully backup QB Tyler Huntley can help take on some of this rushing load. When filling in for Lamar Jackson last season, Huntley averaged 6.3 yards per carry. If he can take on some of Lamar’s production, it will significantly improve the Ravens chances of winning.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart

QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: J.K. Dobbins
RB2: Kenyan Drake
LWR: DeMarcus Robinson
RWR: Devin Duvernay
SWR: James Proche II
TE1: Mark Andrews

Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart

QB: Kenny Pickett
RB1: Najee Harris
RB2: Jaylen Warren
LWR: Diontae Johnson
RWR: George Pickens
SWR: Steven Sims
TE1: Pat Freiermuth