Steelers Open as Big Underdogs to Ravens in Wild Card Round
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are set to face off in a high-stakes AFC Wild Card matchup, and the opening odds reflect the intensity of this long-standing rivalry. With both teams bringing distinct strengths and weaknesses into the game, oddsmakers have set the stage for what could be a thrilling playoff contest. Here’s a breakdown of the opening odds and a look at how each team enters the game.
The Ravens enter as 7.5-point favorites against the odds with a line set at -115 for Baltimore and -105 for the Steelers, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. This suggests that oddsmakers believe Baltimore has the upper hand, particularly with their current form and the overall strength of their roster. The Steelers have been on a four-game losing streak heading into the postseason, with their offense faltering and their defense allowing significantly more points than they did earlier in the season.
The Ravens, on the other hand, have won four straight games after their Week 14 bye, including a 34-17 victory over Pittsburgh on December 21, a game that further solidified their status as one of the top teams in the league. The point spread reflects the Ravens’ more consistent play down the stretch, but the Steelers have historically fared well against their division rivals, especially in the postseason. Pittsburgh enters this game at +7.5, and bettors who believe in their ability to keep it close could find value in backing the Steelers with the points.
For those betting on the moneyline, the Ravens are heavy favorites at -410, while the Steelers offer a solid payout at +320. Baltimore’s line reflects their dominance over the Steelers in their December matchup, but Pittsburgh’s history of postseason success against the Ravens—particularly in playoff games—suggests that an upset is not entirely out of the question. While the Ravens are riding high with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the charge, the Steelers have proven time and again that they are a different team when it comes to playing the Ravens. Pittsburgh has won 3 of its 4 postseason matchups against the Ravens, which could be an important factor for those looking to wager on an unlikely Steelers victory.
As for the total points, the line is set at 46.5, with both the OVER and UNDER priced at -110. This suggests a balanced expectation for the game’s scoring, with oddsmakers anticipating a game that could go either way. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, are capable of putting up big numbers, especially with Derrick Henry providing a dominant ground game. Jackson is a legitimate MVP candidate, and with the Ravens coming off a stretch where they scored 35 points in three of their last four games, it’s likely that Baltimore will be looking to impose their offensive will on Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers’ defense—despite recent struggles—remains one of the league’s most dangerous units, and they will likely be looking to slow down Baltimore’s potent attack. The question for Pittsburgh will be whether their offense, led by Russell Wilson, can get back on track after a dismal four-game stretch. The UNDER 46.5 could be a play for those who believe that Pittsburgh’s defense can rise to the occasion and limit Baltimore’s offense, keeping the game lower-scoring.
In terms of team performance, the Steelers will enter the game having lost four straight, including tough losses to the Bengals, Chiefs, Ravens, and Eagles. During this stretch, their offense has struggled mightily, particularly with Russell Wilson, who has thrown for just 698 yards and four touchdowns over those four games. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense, which had been one of the league’s best for most of the season, has allowed an average of 27.25 points per game during this skid, up from their regular-season average of 18.3 points per game. The loss to the Ravens on December 21 came during a brutal stretch in which the Steelers were playing their second game in 10 days, following a loss to the Eagles and just four days before facing the Chiefs. They were also without key players like WR George Pickens and S Deshon Elliott for that matchup. The return of these players to this rivalry could provide a much-needed boost for the Steelers, but much will depend on whether they can rediscover their early-season form.
The Ravens, on the other hand, are riding high after a dominant stretch to close the season. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, with Lamar Jackson orchestrating the attack and Derrick Henry running roughshod over defenses. Henry finished the regular season with 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, and he has been a key part of the Ravens’ success. Baltimore enters the postseason with their four-game win streak, including victories over playoff teams like the Steelers and Texans. Jackson and Henry are complemented by the playmaking abilities of WR Zay Flowers, who finished the season with 1,059 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, Flowers was ruled out for the rest of the Ravens’ final regular season game after suffering a knee injury, and reports suggest there is a “real chance” he misses the Wild Card game per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, which could be a blow to the Ravens’ passing attack.
Given that the Ravens are the superior team on paper, many will be looking for Baltimore to cover the spread and take care of business in front of their home crowd. However, the Steelers’ 8-2 record in their last 10 games against the Ravens and their success in playoff meetings between the two teams will likely have some bettors wondering whether Pittsburgh has a chance to spring an upset. The Steelers’ defense can still cause problems for Jackson, and if Wilson can find some rhythm and get the ball to key playmakers like Pickens, Pittsburgh could make this a competitive game.
Ultimately, the Steelers vs. Ravens Wild Card game promises to be an exciting and unpredictable affair. The Ravens are the favorites, but the Steelers’ familiarity with Baltimore and defensive potential could make this a closer game than the odds suggest. Whether it’s Baltimore’s dynamic offense or Pittsburgh’s opportunistic defense, this game will be a classic battle between two AFC North teams with a long history of fierce competition. With the spread set at Ravens -7.5 and the total at 46.5, there is plenty of room for bettors to weigh in on how they see the game unfolding. The Steelers will need to overcome their recent struggles, but with everything on the line, don’t count them out just yet.
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