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Steelers Host Ravens in AFC North Rivalry on SNF in Week 9

by —November 1, 2014 in All Sports, NFL

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview – NFL Week 9

Start Time: Sunday, November 2nd 2014 at 8:30pm ET
Stadium: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Station: NBC

The Baltimore Ravens 5-3 (4-3-1 ATS) and Pittsburgh Steelers 5-3 (4-4 ATS) are trying to pass the Bengals in the AFC North. This is a huge game and it’ll be on primetime on Sunday night. This is one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL and every game is hard fought.

Latest BAL vs. PIT Point Spread & Total

The action has been close to evenly split on the point spread although more action is on the Ravens ML. The over/under has shot up four points since opening this week, which is surprising because a lot of the action has been on the under up to this point.

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore Week 9 Stats at a Glance

On paper these two teams are relatively close except for one category and that’s points allowed. Baltimore has allowed nearly as many yards as Pittsburgh, but they keep teams out of the endzone consistently and force turnovers at a high rate.

Three Reasons to Bet on the Ravens

Roethlisberger exploded for 522 passing yards and 6 TD’s in a win over the Colts (51-34) last week. Earlier this season Baltimore won against Pittsburgh (26-6) at home and they held Big Ben to 217 passing yards and 0 TD’s. Roethlisberger also threw an interception.

No one knows the Steelers offense and Big Ben better than the Ravens. On paper the Ravens allow 256.0 PYPG (22nd) and Pittsburgh averages 291.1 PYPG (4th), so many expect Roethlisberger to have a big game, but the Ravens will game plan around Big Ben.

The Ravens are averaging 128.4 RYPG (8th) and I expect Harbaugh to look to establish the run early and eat up the clock. Pittsburgh is allowing 107.8 RYPG (11th), but when these two teams played in week 2 the Ravens gained 159 yards on the ground.

Pittsburgh has success when Big Ben can sit in the pocket and air it out. That usually happens when the run game can get going, but that likely won’t happen this week. Pittsburgh averages 127.1 RYPG (9th), but the Ravens only allow 90.4 RYPG (7th).

Big Ben has been sacked 20 times already this season as well and the Ravens will get pressure on him. If Le’Veon Bell is unable to get going on the ground and Big Ben is constantly pressured than the Steelers will be lucky to score in double digits.

Player to Watch on Each Team

Brown leads the Steelers with 60 receptions for 852 yards and 7 TD’s. He has the ability to beat defenses deep or with strong route running. Baltimore has to contain Brown down the field and tackle him immediately after he catches the football.

Forsett has taken over #1 RB duties this season and he has done well. He has 571 rushing yards (3 TD’s) on just 104 carries. He’s also third on the team in receptions (26). Last week Forsett struggled and Baltimore lost. He has to get going on the ground this week.

Ravens vs. Steelers Predictions

Baltimore has won the last two match-ups although both of those were at home. However, they’re also 5-2 SU against Pittsburgh in the last seven H2H games and that includes two wins at Heinz Field. Baltimore is the better team and I’ll back them on primetime.

Most bettors are expecting points in this match-up because of the way the Steelers offense has been playing the last couple weeks at home, but Baltimore’s defense knows this team too well. It’ll be close, but I expect the Ravens to win 24-20.

ScottThis article was written by Scott

Scott is one of the original degenerates working for MobileSportsBetting.com. Although he's most successful betting on NFL football and international soccer, he's also active in UFC and NHL hockey betting.


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