As the NFL playoffs loom, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an electrifying showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. Scheduled for 8:00 pm ET on Saturday, January 11, 2025, this game promises to be a thrilling spectacle at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. With both teams vying for postseason glory, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes this matchup a must-watch.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines have been set, and the Ravens are favored to win by 9.5 points across major sportsbooks like DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM. The over/under for total points is pegged at 45.5. This spread reflects the Ravens’ strong performance this season, but can the Steelers defy the odds?
Season Record
The Ravens have had an impressive season, finishing with a 12-5 record and clinching the top spot in the AFC North. Their divisional record stands at 4-2, and they’ve been formidable both at home (6-2) and on the road (6-3). On the other hand, the Steelers secured a 10-7 record, placing them second in the division. Their performance has been balanced with a 5-3 record at home and 5-4 on the road.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Preview and Analysis
The Steelers are coming off a narrow 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Russell Wilson, their starting quarterback, had a modest game, completing 17 of 31 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown. Najee Harris led the rushing attack with 36 yards and a touchdown, while Pat Freiermuth was the top receiver with 85 yards.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are riding high after a dominant 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Lamar Jackson showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Henry was a force on the ground, racking up 138 yards and two touchdowns. Rashod Bateman was the leading receiver with 76 yards and a touchdown.
Steelers vs Ravens Prediction
The Ravens enter this game with significant momentum, having won their last four games. Their recent performances have solidified their status as one of the top teams in the AFC. The Steelers, however, have struggled, losing their last four games and showing vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball.
Given the current form of both teams, the Ravens are well-positioned to cover the 9.5-point spread. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, and their defense has been equally impressive. The Steelers will need to find a way to reignite their offense and tighten up their defense if they hope to pull off an upset.
NFL Betting Trends
For those looking to place bets, consider these trends: The Steelers are 2-5 ATS against teams with strong rushing defenses, and they tend to struggle in the first half against teams with winning records. The Ravens, on the other hand, have a solid 31-22 ATS record and perform well after divisional games.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in this matchup. The Steelers have several players dealing with injuries, including M. Williams (WR), T. Matakevich (LB), and B. Skowronek (WR). The Ravens also have key players like T. White (CB) and Z. Flowers (WR) listed as questionable.
Notable Quotes
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the importance of turning their focus to the playoffs, stating, “We’re in a single-elimination tournament now, so we better turn our attention toward playing good football.” Ravens coach John Harbaugh praised Lamar Jackson’s leadership, saying, “He’s just one of a kind. There’s nobody like Lamar Jackson.”
Starting Lineups
For the Steelers, the offensive lineup features WR George Pickens, WR Van Jefferson, and QB Russell Wilson. The Ravens will counter with WR Rashod Bateman, QB Lamar Jackson, and RB Derrick Henry.
Statistical Leaders
Russell Wilson leads the Steelers with 2,482 passing yards, while Najee Harris has rushed for 1,043 yards. For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson has thrown for 4,172 yards, and Derrick Henry has rushed for an impressive 1,921 yards.
As we approach game day, the excitement is palpable. Will the Ravens continue their winning streak, or can the Steelers pull off a surprise? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this is a matchup you won’t want to miss!
