The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) secured a playoff spot despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, thanks to losses by the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts. This marked only the Steelers' second defeat in their last nine games.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens (9-5) trail the Steelers by just one win in the race for the AFC North title. Following a bye week that gave them time to recover from their own loss to the Eagles, the Ravens bounced back with a dominant 35-14 victory over the New York Giants last week.
The Baltimore Ravens are a 6.5-point favorite over the Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Week 16 odds for this highly anticipated matchup, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Similar lines can be found at some of the best NY sportsbooks, with the Ravens at -280 (1.35) and an implied win probability of 73.7%, while the Steelers at +230 (3.3) have a 30.3% chance to win this game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their playoff spot last week, but the AFC North title remains undecided as they head to Baltimore. The Steelers are riding a four-game winning streak against the Ravens, while Baltimore boasts a strong 4-2 record at home this season.
Historically, these matchups have been low-scoring battles, with the last eight meetings finishing under the total points line. We anticipate another closely contested game, with the Ravens covering the spread and the total staying under 46.5 points.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Steelers 17
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their biggest loss of the season, 27-13 to the Philadelphia Eagles. That also ties their lowest-scoring performance since Week 2, but then they beat the Denver Broncos 13-6.
The Steelers are now 10th in the league, scoring 22.3 points per game, and are ranked 15th, averaging 325.6 total yards per game. They are in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing attempts (32.5 per game) and rushing yards (126.6) but are in the bottom three in yards per rush (3.9). They also struggle in completions with only 18.5 per game, which ranks them 28th in the league.
Russell Wilson, who stepped in as a starting quarterback replacing Justin Fields in Week 7, is coming off a season-low 128 yards against the Eagles. The 36-year-old veteran has 1,912 yards for the season, which puts him 29th in the league, and he is 23rd with 13 touchdowns.
The Baltimore Ravens are on top of the league, allowing 80.7 rushing yards, but that doesn’t change the picture that they are 25th, allowing 339.6 total yards, and are at the rock bottom in attempted and completed passing yards. When it comes to the points allowed, the Ravens are 24th in the league, allowing 23.7 points per game.
The two-time league MVP, Lamar Jackson, has another impressive season, being second in the league with 34 touchdowns and fifth with 3,580 total yards. The Ravens quarterback is coming off almost a perfect performance in the 35-14 win over the New York Giants. Jackson tied his career high by throwing five touchdowns, which is the sixth such performance in his career. He went 21 of 25 for 290 yards and had a quarterback rating of 154.6, just short of the NFL maximum of 158.3.
The Ravens top the league, averaging 424.1 total and 178.4 rushing yards per game. They are ranked third, scoring 29.9 points per game, and have the highest QB rating in the league of 119.2.
That will be a huge problem for the Steelers defense, even though they are very solid on that end. Pittsburgh ranks 7th in the league, allowing 17.9 points per game, and ninth, allowing 316.6 total yards per contest.
The Steelers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 9 games overall, 6 of their last 7 games against the Ravens, and 5 of their last 6 games against teams from the AFC North division. Pittsburgh has played over the total point line in 6 of their last 9 games overall and 5 of their last 6 games on the road.
Pittsburgh lost star linebacker T.J. Watt suffered an ankle injury last week in the final quarter of the 27-13 loss to the Eagles. The 30-year-old former defensive player of the year leads the Steelers with 11 1/2 sacks, and his absence could make the difference in this game. Wide receiver George Pickens, who leads the team in receptions (55) and yards receiving (850), is expected to miss his third straight game.
LB TJ Watt (Ankle) – Questionable
CB Donte Jackson (Back) – Questionable
QB Justin Fields (Abdomen) - Out
DT Montravius Adams (Knee) - Questionable
OT Calvin Anderson (Groin) - Questionable
SAF DeShon Elliott (Hamstring) - Out
WR George Pickens (Hamstring) - Out
DT Larry Ogunjobi (Groin) - Out
DE Mike Danna (Calf) – Questionable
DE Charles Omenihu (Wrist) – Questionable
The Ravens have covered the spread only once in the last 7 home games against Pittsburgh and only once in their last 5 games against an opponent from the AFC North division. Baltimore has played under the total point line in their last 8 games against the Steelers and in 10 of their last 14 games played in Week 16, while it has gone over in 8 of their last 10 games overall and 5 of their last 6 games against teams from the AFC North division.
The Ravens have a difficult schedule, playing three games in 11 days, and the upcoming matchup against the division rival is of high importance. Looking at the injury list, only veteran Kyle Van Noy had significant playing time this season, so the Ravens are ready for the upcoming challenge.
OLB Adisa Isaac (Hamstring) - Questionable
NT Michael Pierce (Calf) - Questionable
OLB Kyle Van Noy (Hamstring) - Out
CB TJ Tampa (Ankle) - Questionable
SAF Sanoussi Kane (Hamstring) - Questionable - Hamstring
The Steelers lead the all-time series 36-25 and have won the last four meetings:
• 2024: Steelers won 18-16 in Pittsburgh
• 2024: Steelers won 17-10 in Baltimore
• 2023: Steelers won 17-10 in Pittsburgh
• 2023: Steelers won 16-13 in Baltimore
• 2022: Ravens won 16-14 in Pittsburgh
• Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, 04:30 p.m. ET
• Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
• Where to watch the match in the UK: Sky Sports (TV), FuboTV, or other live streams
As the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens in a key AFC North matchup, it’s a great time to explore the best NFL sportsbooks for your betting needs. Whether you’re leaning toward the Steelers continuing their strong divisional run or the Ravens securing another home win, finding a sportsbook with competitive odds and worthwhile promotions can enhance your experience. Take a moment to review your options and get ready for what promises to be an exciting game.
