Picks and predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens NFL Week 16 matchup: Who wins?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are set to meet on Saturday, December 21, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for a crucial NFL Week 16 matchup. The game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. MST kickoff and will be broadcast on FOX, with streaming available via Fubo. This game is highly anticipated as it could have major playoff implications, with both teams fighting for a top spot in the AFC North division.

As of now, the Ravens are favored by 6.5 points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The moneyline has Baltimore at -275 and Pittsburgh at +225, indicating that the Ravens are the strong favorites. The point total for the game is set at 45.5, suggesting a moderately high-scoring contest.

Game Preview and Predictions

Jeremy Cluff of The Arizona Republic predicts that the Ravens will win this matchup 27-20. He points out that the Ravens are just one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North standings, making this a must-win game for both teams. The Steelers won the earlier meeting between the two teams in Week 11, edging out Baltimore with a 18-16 victory. Cluff believes that Lamar Jackson, who has been in excellent form recently, will lead the Ravens to a victory this time.

Steelers’ Strong Defensive History Against Ravens

Bill Speros from Bookies.com takes a different view, recommending that bettors take the Steelers with the points in this game. He notes that the Steelers have had remarkable defensive success against the Ravens in recent matchups, including their narrow 18-16 victory in Week 11. In that game, Chris Boswell kicked six field goals, leading Pittsburgh to a hard-fought win. The Steelers have now beaten Baltimore in six consecutive meetings, despite often being underdogs. Speros credits Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin for consistently finding a way to outsmart Ravens coach John Harbaugh.

Though Pittsburgh lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, they still secured a playoff berth and remain in control of the AFC North. On the other hand, the Ravens secured a dominant 35-14 victory over the New York Giants in their previous game, covering the -16.5 point spread. Speros suggests that a Steelers win could provide them with a two-game lead over the Ravens and the tiebreaker in case the two teams end up with the same record after the final regular-season games.

An additional factor that could impact the game is the weather. The forecast calls for high winds in Baltimore, with gusts expected to exceed 44 mph and sustained winds over 15 mph. There’s also a chance of snow, which could make conditions even more challenging for both teams. Speros highlights the importance of Steelers kicker Chris Boswell, noting that even strong winds won’t be enough to stop him from contributing to his team’s success.

Steelers’ Slim Playoff Chance According to Predictions

Several other outlets have weighed in with their predictions for the game. Sports Betting Dime, for example, has predicted a 25.6-22.6 victory for the Steelers, while Dimers forecasts a Ravens win with a 24-19 scoreline. According to Dimers’ model, the Ravens have a 70% chance of winning the game, while the Steelers have a 30% probability of pulling off an upset.

ESPN, however, gives the Ravens a much higher chance of winning at 66.7%, with the Steelers having just a 33% chance. The remaining percentage accounts for the possibility of a tie, which is highly unlikely given the nature of both teams’ offensive and defensive play.

Potential Impact of Injuries

One significant factor that could tip the scales in the Ravens’ favor is the injury report. Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson highlights that the Steelers might be undermined by several key injuries to starters. Players such as Donte Jackson (back), T.J. Watt (ankle), Larry Ogunjobi, DeShon Elliott, and George Pickens are all uncertain to play. Johnson suggests that even though the Steelers have historically performed well against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, missing multiple key players, especially on offense, will be a tough blow for Pittsburgh. This, combined with the absence of their most reliable pass-catching option in Pickens, could give the Ravens the upper hand.

How the Teams Stack Up

Both the Steelers and Ravens come into this game with strong defensive units. The Steelers have consistently been one of the NFL’s top defensive teams, and their ability to contain Lamar Jackson in previous encounters has been impressive. However, the Ravens have also been playing some of their best football, with Jackson’s dual-threat ability making them a tough matchup for any defense. Baltimore has managed to win several games by dominating on both sides of the ball, making them a formidable opponent heading into this critical Week 16 showdown.

Offensively, the Steelers have been somewhat inconsistent this season. They have struggled to establish a consistent rhythm, especially in key games, but their defense has often been able to keep them in contests. The Ravens, on the other hand, have a dynamic offense led by Jackson, who can both pass and run effectively. His playmaking ability is something that has often broken games open for Baltimore, and he will need to be on top of his game in this pivotal matchup.

The Stakes for Both Teams

For the Steelers, the game represents a chance to extend their lead in the AFC North and further solidify their playoff hopes. A victory would give them a crucial two-game advantage over the Ravens with just three games remaining in the season, as well as the tiebreaker in case the two teams end up tied. With a strong defense and the ability to pull off surprising wins, the Steelers will need to rely on their defensive prowess and find ways to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers.

For the Ravens, the stakes are just as high. A win would allow them to close the gap in the AFC North and potentially put them in a position to win the division in the coming weeks. Baltimore has been playing well recently, and with Jackson at the helm, they will likely enter this game with a lot of confidence. If they can execute their game plan and avoid mistakes, the Ravens could have enough to get past Pittsburgh and claim a critical victory.

Conclusion

The Week 16 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with major implications for both teams’ playoff hopes and the AFC North race. While the Ravens enter the game as favorites, the Steelers have historically found ways to upset Baltimore, particularly with their strong defense and special teams play. With injuries, weather concerns, and the high stakes of the game, anything can happen in this exciting rivalry. Football fans can expect a hard-fought battle, and the outcome of this game could go a long way in determining the division winner in the coming weeks.