The nightcap of the Thanksgiving NFL triple-header features an AFC North rivalry as the Baltimore Ravens (6-4) will take on the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers (10-0). With a three-game advantage over the Browns, the Steelers are in a great spot in the division, while the Ravens may have a fight for a postseason spot on their hands. Kickoff for this one is scheduled for 8:20 pm ET from Heinz Field.
The Ravens are actually battling two opponents in this one, in the Steelers and COVID-19. The team has been decimated by positive cases, with at least ten players and coaches having tested positive. In fact, running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins are just two of the players who have already been ruled out. For a must-win game, it certainly isn’t starting off well.
The Steelers come in having been rolling as of late. On Sunday, they beat the Jacksonville Jaguars easily, 27-3. They did suffer one loss in the game, though, as wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster left with a foot injury after stepping wrong on a ref’s flag. Still, he was able to practice on a limited basis Tuesday, and the hope is that he can play.
As the home team, the Steelers are the favorites in this one. They are currently -230 to win while Baltimore sits at +190. The spread features the Ravens +5.5, and the over/under for total points is 44.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the edge in terms of scoring average. They currently rank 4th overall as they are averaging 29.8 points per game. The Ravens come in 12th overall averaging 26.8 per game.
Defensively, these are two of the best three defenses in the league. The Steelers currently rank atop the NFL in points allowed per game at just 17.4. The Ravens come in 3rd overall, allowing opponents to score just 19.5 points per game.
Baltimore Looking To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
It may not be an absolute do or die situation for the Ravens, but it is getting close. At 6-4, the Ravens are third in their division and could be in jeopardy of missing out on the playoffs. After losing three of their last four, a win is crucial, but it won’t be easy against the undefeated Steelers.
Leading the way under center is former MVP Lamar Jackson. On the season, Jackson has thrown for 1,948 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has also rushed 103 times for 575 yards and another three scores.
Through the air, tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Marquise Brown have led the way. Andres has 38 catches for 454 yards and six touchdowns, while Brown has 32 catches for 431 yards and two scores.
With Ingram and Dobbins out, the Ravens will likely turn to Gus Edwards in the backfield. On the year, Edwards has rushed 85 times for 376 yards and three scores.
Can Pittsburgh Stay Undefeated at Expense of the Ravens?
The Steelers have had a remarkable season thus far and would love nothing more than to keep their undefeated record going at the expense of the Baltimore Ravens. To do so, they will need to play well on both sides of the ball.
Under center, Ben Roethlisberger leads the way for the Steelers. He has thrown for 2,534 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
He has a plethora of options to throw to this season, including Smith-Schuster (58 catches, 535 yards, five touchdowns), Diontae Johnson (49 catches, 537 yards, four touchdowns), Chase Claypool (39 catches, 559 yards, eight touchdowns) and Eric Ebron (35 catches, 359 yards, four touchdowns).
Defensively, Pittsburgh is led by Vince Williams (37 tackles), T.J. Watt (nine sacks), Bud Dupree (eight sacks), and Minkah Fitzpatrick (four interceptions).
Steelers Win, But Can They Cover?
Anytime these two rivals square off, you can pretty much throw records out of the window. Both teams will be out for blood in this primetime matchup on Thanksgiving evening.
Despite just being the better team this season, the Steelers also have the advantage of not having a COVID-19 outbreak on their hands. As more information comes out, there is some concern this game could be postponed; however, if it doesn’t, the Ravens will certainly be shorthanded.
I like the Steelers to win this one straight up, but the 5.5 points still seems like a lot when the Ravens have their best offensive weapons and their defense largely intact. I like Pittsburgh to win straight up, but I think I lean to taking the Ravens and the 5.5 points if betting the spread.
