Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds, Wild Card Betting, NFL Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the regular season on a 4-0 run both straight up and against the spread; the Baltimore Ravens ended the season by winning three of their last four games, but they went just 1-4 ATS down the stretch. The most heated rivalry in the NFL over recent seasons heats up again when the 11-5 Steelers host the 10-6 Ravens for an AFC Wild Card Game Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field.

Point spread: This game opened as a pick'em; the total was 48 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 33.1-28.8 Steelers

Why the Ravens can cover the spread

The Ravens just beat Cleveland 20-10, scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, to secure a playoff berth for the sixth time in the past seven seasons. Baltimore had to come from behind, and couldn't quite cover as a 14-point favorite, but it outgained the Browns 419-259.

On the season, the Ravens ranked 12th in total offense, eighth in rushing, eighth in total defense and fourth against the run. And their average rushing differential of plus-38 yards per game was one of the best in the league.

Running back Justin Forsett hit the 100-yard mark in four of his past seven games; if he can do that again Saturday, and if quarterback Joe Flacco takes care of the ball, Baltimore might win this one outright.

Why the Steelers can cover the spread

After a 3-3 start to this season the Steelers won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row, finishing with a 27-17 victory over Cincinnati, covering as three-point favorites.

Pittsburgh only gained 29 yards on the ground, losing running back Le'Veon Bell to a knee injury in the process, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 317 yards and two scores, including a 63-yard hookup with Antonio Brown with three minutes left that iced the victory and the cover. Brown also returned a punt for a touchdown earlier in the game.

For the season, the Steelers ranked second in total offense, 16th in rushing, 18th in total defense and sixth against the run.

Smart Pick

These two teams have split their season series each of the past three seasons, so this contest looks like a total tossup. But Baltimore runs the ball better and is a little better against the run. Also, Pittsburgh might be without Bell, who just had a breakout season, piling up 2,200 yards from scrimmage. So the smart choice in this spot looks like the Ravens, plus the points.

Betting Trends

• Baltimore is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh.
• Pittsburgh is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Baltimore.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.