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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens NFL Betting Odds & Spread

Written December 11, 2008 by Jason Lowry

The AFC North is up for grabs this weekend when the division leading Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) take on the Baltimore Ravens (9-4) for the 2nd time this season. Now the first time around the game was at Pittsburgh and the Steelers came away with a tough 23-20 win in overtime, and this week the Ravens look to repay the favor on their home field. Last week the Ravens did exactly what was needed against the Redskins taking home a 24-10 win, while the Steelers stunned the Cowboys with a come from behind 20-13 win. For those of you looking to do a little NFL betting on the game this weekend, the oddsmakers have the Ravens 2 point favorites over the Steelers at Sportsbook.com

It looked like it was all over for the Steelers last week, as they trailed 13-3 going into the final quarter of play, but a field goal and touchdown from the offense and an interception returned for a score ended up bringing home the Steelers the win. Now it was a defensive battle for nearly the entire game, so the stats aren’t too impressive, Ben Roethlisberger had 204 yards and the game tying touchdown pass to Heath Miller. The Steelers had pretty much no running game going in this one, as Willie Parker led the way with just 25 yards on 12 carries, and backup Mewelde Moore had just 22 yards. Last time against the Ravens the Steelers offense struggled in this one, and with the game at Baltimore this time we expect much of the same this weekend.

The Steelers defense nearly watched a great game go to waste, as they were playing outstanding defense and yet still losing the football game. But thanks to Deshea Townsend’s interception return for a touchdown the Steelers went home with the win. Now even more thanks should go to Cowboy’s quarterback Tony Romo who threw 3 interceptions and 1 of the Cowboys 2 fumbles in this one. Now its hard going against a defense that plays the way this unit does week in and week out, but the Ravens are just as good on this side of the ball, so don’t be surprised to see either defense bring home the win this weekend. Bet Pittsburgh Steelers +2 at Sportsbook.com

The Ravens come into the game this weekend knowing they have what it takes to beat the Steelers this weekend, as a team that has now won 7 of its last 8 games, and really looks like it could be a force the rest of the way including the playoffs. Last week against the Redskins the offense wasn’t at its best, as Joe Flacco completed just 10 of 21 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while the running game also had its struggles compared to normal gaining just 140 yards with a score, but no single back had a great day on the ground. Last time against the Steelers Flacco wasn’t great throwing for 192 yards, but kept from making any huge mistakes, but the running game had its struggles. We think the Ravens are going to come out ready to go in this one, but its going to take one heck of a game to get by the Steelers with the way they are playing defense.

Now the Ravens defense is also playing at a very high level this season, and last week they shut down the Redskins running game allowing Clinton Portis just 32 yards on 11 carries, while the secondary made life miserable for Jason Campbell. The star of the game in this one was veteran safety Ed Reed who not only had two interceptions and a force fumble, but returned that fumble 22 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Now the Ravens defense has to come to play this weekend cause they can’t afford to get behind early to the Steelers and play catch up the whole game, but the same goes for the Ravens if they can get the early lead they can likely control the whole game against the Steelers with their defense. Bet Baltimore Ravens -2 at Sportsbook.com

Need some help making your picks this weekend? Check out these great NFL picks, and grab the latest NFL odds from Betfirms.

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