Is there quarterback drama brewing in Pittsburgh? Mason Rudolph, who started the season as the Steelers’ third-string quarterback and who has flamed out in previous chances as the starter, has done well the last two weeks, throwing for over 400 yards per game and leading the Steelers to more than 30 points in each game, posting a combined 115.3 passer rating in those contests. Rumors had emerged that second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, the starter at the beginning of the year, had refused to back up Rudolph last week. He spoke to the media this week and was irate at media portrayals of his character, saying that he was following the progression of surgery rehab and would back up Rudolph this week. If Rudolph can guide the Steelers to a win and the team gets the help it needs from other Week 18 action to get into the playoffs, it will be interesting to see if head coach Mike Tomlin stays with the hot hand or lets a healthy Pickett have the reins again. Don’t miss our NFL betting preview of the Week 18 meeting between the Steelers vs Ravens, in which the Ravens plan to rest Lamar Jackson and other key skill players.
NFL Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Game Odds and Analysis in Week 18
When: Saturday, January 6, 2024, 4:30 pm ET
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: ABC/ESPN
Radio: Westwood One
Live Stream: ESPN+
NFL Odds: Pittsburgh -3 / O/U 35 // Baltimore +155 / Pittsburgh -185
Why should you bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Interestingly, the Ravens come in with a 13-3 record, but one of their three losses came against Pittsburgh, and if the Steelers complete the sweep and either Jacksonville or Buffalo loses, the Steelers go to the playoffs. In Week 5, the Steelers limited the Baltimore offense to just 10 points – and that was with Jackson at the helm. However, the Ravens’ offense has been on fire the last few weeks, which will challenge the Steelers more. The Steelers have posted 25 takeaways and 43 sacks, but they are also vulnerable to the chunk play, giving up 5.5 yards per play, which ranks just 26th in the league. In the teams’ first meeting, Pittsburgh forced three turnovers and posted four sacks.
The Steelers’ offense has only managed 30 points twice this season – in the last two games. The Steelers have terrific ball security, leading the NFL with just 14 turnovers. However, they still rank just 27th in the league in scoring (17.9 points per game). The passing game ranks just 29th in total yards and 23rd in yards per pass attempt. Rudolph has jump-started the offense, but can he continue this performance against the league’s top defense?
Bet on the Steelers to Win Today
Why should you put your money on the Baltimore Ravens?
The Ravens are focusing on resting and avoiding injury going into the playoffs. In addition to Lamar Jackson, rookie wideout Zay Flowers will rest this week. The team already had the top rushing offense in the offense in total yardage and the third-best unit in yards per carry, and then they added Dalvin Cook, recently released by the New York Jets. They are also stingy with ball security, with only 17 turnovers.
On defense, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey will both rest. The unit is second in fewest yards permitted per play and leads the league in fewest yards permitted per pass attempt and in total sacks – as well as scoring permitted. That scheme will still be in place against Pittsburgh, but we will see whether Pittsburgh’s postseason ambitions are strong enough to beat a team looking primarily down the road at the playoffs.
Bet on the Ravens to Win Today
Steelers vs Ravens Final Score and Prediction
Tyler Huntley has stood in well for Lamar Jackson in the past, and I expect Dalvin Cook to get some looks at tailback as the team prepares for the postseason. Mason Rudolph is due for some big turnovers, and the Ravens’ pass rush will still give him fits. I see the Ravens winning at home, 20-17.
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