NFL Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

NFL / Andy Richmond / 28 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

"These teams meet twice over the next five weeks and, although the stakes aren't as high as last time out, I still expect a hard-hitting, tightly contested match-up."

The AFC North rivals meet on Sunday night in Baltimore with neither in first place, both searching for answers and Ben Roethlisberger expected to start for the Steelers despite his fourth concussion since 2006. Andy Richmond selects the best bets.

The last time the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens met, a place in the Super Bowl was at stake. This time, the matchup could play a big role in which team reaches the postseason.

Pittsburgh (6-4) beat Baltimore (5-5) three times in 2008 en route to their record sixth Super Bowl title, and the 23-14 win in the AFC title game may have been the most bruising encounter of the bunch.

Both teams trail AFC North leader Cincinnati, who are 7-3. These teams meet twice over the next five weeks and, although the stakes aren't as high as last time out, I still expect a hard-hitting, tightly contested match-up.

They are plenty of injury doubts on both sides. Betting without knowing the teams is a risky proposition - both quarterbacks have questions marks hanging over them. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has lost his poise under pressure in the past few weeks. He has looked flustered as the Ravens have lost two of three while he has tossed three interceptions in that stretch, without throwing a touchdown. He struggled mightily against Pittsburgh's pressure defence last year, and if he allows the Steelers to shake him again, it could be a tough day.

The Steelers also have problems at the field general position too. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh's star quarterback, plans to play despite suffering a concussion last week. With backup Charlie Batch out, the only other signal-caller on the roster will be Dennis Dixon, who has thrown just one NFL pass. The Ravens will no doubt look to test Roethlisberger early and often.

This pivotal battle will go a long ways towards determining the post-season fates of both teams. The Ravens face the arduous task of trying to regain their offensive rhythm against the Steelers' top-ranked defence. The Ravens have failed to score more than 16 points in their three previous games, and their inability to score touchdowns in the red zone has cost them. For the Steelers, the key to the game is finding offensive balance. With Ben Roethlisberger ailing, it is important to establish the running game early.

Recommendation: Close, very close - 1pt under 40.5 match points at 1.96 or better