NFL Football
2008-12-14 - Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
A Sports Betting Pick by Bodog
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.
Sunday, 14th December 2008 - kickoff 4:15 p.m. ET
10% chance of rain, 40 degrees
Pittsburgh : 10-3 SU, 7-6 ATS, Over 7-6
The Steelers defense keeps saving the day for Pittsburgh this season but how long can that keep going on?
Pittsburgh scored two TDs in the final 2:04 to beat Dallas (+4) 20-13 last week, the final major coming on a Deshea Townsend interception return.
The Steelers defense that has 45 sacks this season, tied with the Dallas Cowboys for tops in the league, and they will test the calmness of Baltimore's rookie QB Joe Flacco.
Pittsburgh’s offense is tied with Baltimore’s near the bottom of the league at 4.8 yards per play – the winless Lions are next at 4.7 yards.
Baltimore: 9-4 SU, 10-3 ATS, Over 8-4-1
The difference between these two sides may be in the power running. The Steelers have absorbed myriad injuries in the backfield, but none of their running options would be mistaken for a bruiser.
Baltimore’s Le’Ron McClain, on the other hand, is a 260-pound fullback enjoying his first year as a feature ball-carrier.
His relatively small 3.7 yards per carry disguises Baltimore’s efficiency in short-yardage situations – the Ravens are fourth in the league in this department, while the Steelers are No. 24.
The Ravens are more efficient at moving the ball too. They’re No. 13 in the NFL with 248 first downs, while Pittsburgh languishes at No. 22 with 229.
Head to Head
Last meeting :
In Week 4, Jeff Reed hit three field goals, including the 46-yard winner in overtime, as the Steelers beat the Ravens 23-20 in Pittsburgh.
Streaks :
The Steelers have won two of the past three games against the Ravens and Pittsburgh lead the overall series 15-10.
The Verdict
We literally do not have ANY MARGIN of difference betwen these two sides with the Steeler defence making up for Baltimore's home advantage and slight edge on offence.
But the weight of public money has pushed Pittsburgh out to a +2 point dog now - and that might be worth a punt.
The Pick :
Pittsburgh 16-13 Baltimore
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take PITTSBURGH on the moneyline of +125.
