The Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch the AFC North Christmas night with a home win over the Baltimore Ravens and as you would expect, they’re early favorites to do just that.
According to VegasInsider.com, the Steelers opened up as 3.5-point home favorites over the Ravens. That line, however, has quickly moved to the Steelers being favored by 5-points at several sportsbooks.
While the Steelers were busy coming from behind to beat the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, the Ravens had their hands full at home with the Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, the Eagles scored with four seconds left in the game and decided to go for the win by forgoing an extra-point kick in lieu of a two-point conversion try. That pass play failed, however, and the Ravens won the game 27-26.
The Ravens established a 10-point lead over the Eagles with 11:06 left in the fourth quarter thanks to a 16-yard touchdown run by Baltimore running back Kenneth Dixon. While it took the Eagles some time to respond, they ultimately ended the game with 9 unanswered points.
In the win, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco completed just 16 of his 30 total pass attempts in the game for 206 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. His scoring tosses went to wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. and Kamar Aiken from 34 and 5 yards out, respectively. The Ravens also rushed for 151 yards against the Eagles.
While the Ravens defense held Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz to only 170 yards passing during the game, they did allow Philadelphia running back Ryan Mathews to rush for 128 yards and a score.
The Ravens, who beat the Steelers 21-14 in Baltimore back in Week 9, last lost to Pittsburgh in 2014. That game was played at Heinz Field and featured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throwing six touchdown passes.
The Steelers might be forced to play the Ravens Christmas night without defensive end Stephon Tuitt and tight end Ladarius Green. Tuitt suffered a right knee injury early in the team’s Sunday win over the Bengals while Green suffered a concussion late in the contest. Tuitt is undergoing an MRI on his injured knee on Monday while Green is currently in concussion protocol.
The over/under for Sunday’s game between the Steelers and the Ravens opened at 41-points. As far as the early weather forecast goes for Sunday night, rain showers are currently expected in the evening becoming more intermittent overnight. A low temperature of 44F is currently forecasted and there’s a 50% chance of rain.
