Baltimore Ravens (7-5 SU, 6-5 ATS) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS)
NFL Week 14
Date/Time: Sunday, December 10th, 2017 8:30 PM EST
Where: Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA
TV: NBC
by Keith, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: BAL+5/PIT -5
Over/Under Total:43.5
Its known as one of the most potent and physical rivalries all of the NFL. Now, it will come to Sunday Night Football with post-season implications in the mix. The Baltimore Ravens will travel to the Steel City to square off with the AFCs top dog the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 10th, 2017. The fixture will be televised for national audiences in primetime syndication on NBC. The scheduled kick-off time is 8:30 PM EST. The last meeting between both parties was all Pittsburgh as the Steelers plucked the Ravens 26-7 in Baltimore in October. The Steelers have won the last two against their divisional rivals. Previous to this Baltimore won four in a row against the Steel Curtain.
Out of the gate, to the surprise of some the public has been all over the Ravens as they came into this contest as a touchdown-plus conversion underdog initially. As a result of action on Baltimore, the Ravens are now a smaller dog reflected in a two-point line movement overall. Much of this can be attested to the Ravens running buckshot on the Lions last week coupled with a dominant win on Monday Night Football the week before hand. The Ravens defense looks furious and with their good form, this outfit looks to be on its way to the post-season. In Over/Under markets, we have seen little movement here as the wage has fallen by just half of a point to its current station. The observation indicates initial action on the Under.
The problem for Baltimore is that they will have to trek into one of the most animated environments in all of football. The Steelers have been benefited greatly from this as they are 4-1 SU at home, this season. The Terrible Towels will be out in droves and the temperatures will likely be nice and frosty to greet the Ravens. Pittsburgh is without question the premiere team in the AFC at this point, as they have won seven in a row dating back to their last loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In hindsight, the Jaguars loss is not as bad as it seems be that they are the current top team in the AFC South and likely on their way to the playoffs in their own right. We would be remiss to fail to mention Antonio Brown as he is the best receiver in the league and fortunately wears a Steelers jersey. No one has been able to stop him this season.
Pittsburgh is one of the most consistent teams in the league. Coach Mike Tomlin has cultivated a culture where Pittsburgh is a perennial contender not only for divisional credentials and post-season qualification but for Super Bowl appearances. No team in the history of the NFL has won more Super Bowls than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet the dynastic tendency of this team has remained under the radar with the likes of the Patriots taking center stage. In this stage of the season, Pittsburgh often shifts their operations into the next gear to ready itself for playoff competition. Given the nature of this rivalry, the Steelers will assuredly be primed for a spectacular effort.
While the points may seem like too much to spot with Pittsburgh, we can argue the opposite. As a result of the extensive lean on Baltimore in the early stages by the public, we have a chance to snag the Steelers with value. This is a true rarity given the fact the Steelers are prone to being overvalued at Heinz Field. Typically, the conversation would be how both teams defenses fare. However, the discussion is strictly Pittsburghs catalytic offense versus the stingy Ravens defense. Baltimore has been feasting on some rather lackluster offenses in comparison and it is with little doubt that the Steelers will find ways to score points against this unit. The trump card for this team has been the defense leading the way, so if it plays out as such the Steelers will cruise to an easy 11th win on the year. Swallow the points.
Keith’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: PITTSBURGH -5 – Bet your pick for this game using your credit card at an online bookie where it WILL work for deposits and where you’ll receive a generous 50% signup bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $250! (Example: Deposit $250 and they’ll give you an extra $250 FREE!) Find this great offer at Bovada Sportsbook.
