Baltimore Ravens Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds and Preview

After looking at this Sunday’s NFL betting board, the early game that is sure to get the most action features two bitter AFC North rivals. The surprisingly undefeated (3-0) Pittsburgh Steelers host the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens in what is sure to be an old fashion slugfest. Sportsbook.com currently has the Ravens vs. Steelers point spread at Pittsburgh -2.5. The odds makers are expecting a low scoring affair as the ‘total’ is just 34.5 points.

The Steelers weren’t supposed to be this good. With their two time Super Bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended, the Steelers are not only one of just three undefeated teams, but they are also one of only two teams that covered the point spread in each of their games. Will Pittsburgh make it a perfect 4-0 both straight up and against the spread? Let’s look a little closer…

With Roethlisberger on the sidelines, the Steelers have gotten back to basics; running the football to go along with a smothering defense.

Third year running back Rashard Mendenhall is off to a fast start ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (332). He is also averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry to go along with two touchdowns. Surprisingly, Baltimore’s defense has been poor against the run this season, surrendering 127.7 yards per game on the ground.

Interim quarterback Charlie Batch had a huge week last Sunday versus Tampa Bay throwing for three touchdowns. Don’t expect and encore performance as the Ravens are as stingy as they come through the air; yielding a ridiculously low 117 passing yards per game.

The main reason for Pittsburgh’s hot start is their blitzing and opportunistic defense which is giving up just 11 points per game (PPG). Last season the Steelers’ D had an extremely disappointing season giving up 20.3 PPG; however, a big reason for this was the health of safety Troy Polamalu. Now with his return to good health, the Steelers lead the NFL in turnovers (10).

Coming off his breakout season in 2009, Baltimore running back Ray Rice is off to a slow start, compiling just 210 rushing yards and zero scores through the first three weeks. What makes matters worse is his knee is banged up a bit although he expected to play on Sunday. If he does suit up, the third year back will face the Steelers’ defense which surrenders less than 60 yards per game on the ground. It should be noted that in Rice’s two games versus Pittsburgh last season he rushed for 88 and 141 yards.

If Rice is having problems duplicating his 2009 performances versus the Steel Curtain, it will be up to quarterback Joe Flacco. After a rough first two weeks, Flacco was impressive last Sunday hooking up with Anquan Boldin for three touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s defense does take a lot of chances and gives up 219 passing yards per game so there will be some opportunities as long as Flacco plays within himself and his offensive line gives him ample time.

One of the NFL’s most heated rivalries, when the Ravens and Steelers meet the final score is usually within a few points. Both of last year’s games ended with the victor winning by exactly three points.

Obviously Sportsbook.com is expecting another close game as the point spread opened at Pittsburgh -1.5 and since has moved to Pitt -2.5. Despite the move, this is good news for those betting on Baltimore as they are a money-making 7-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last eight games as road dogs of three points or less.