NFL Divisional Round Playoff Gambling – Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers
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Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Saturday January 15 – 4:30PM
Venue: Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: CBS
Baltimore (13-4) +150 vs Pittsburgh (12-4) -170 (Odds courtesy of BetUS)
Spread Favourite: Pittsbirgh -3
Over/Under: 37
Go Inside This Matchup With Our NFL ATS Stats —>
(odds courtesy of BetUS – BET NOW Click Here!)
Baltimore
The Ravens were very impressive is dispatching the Chiefs last weekend on the road. Granted they were the favourite, but they were in complete control of the game building a lot of momentum for another battle with Pittsburgh this weekend. These two teams split their two earlier games with each winning by three points on the road. This will be one of the most physical games you will see as these guys really don’t like each other.
The Ravens offense always seems like a sleeping giant to me. Sure they scored 30 points last week but I would categorize their performance as effective not explosive. With Ray Rice and Willis McGahee they can pound the rock and QB Joe Flacco has a plethora of weapons in the passing game. If they can ever get everyone really rolling than look out. Against Pittsburgh this year their most effective weapon was Anquan Boldin. He is so strong catching the ball and has just the physical style needed to compete in a game like this.
I heard on the radio that Baltimore has never beaten Pittsburgh in a playoff game. Joe Flacco has proven that he can have success on the road when it counts and he will not be intimidated. The key for a game like this is who is going to make the really spectacular plays to win the game. A guy like Ed Reed, who was great last week and has been going through so much might be a good candidate. Is it too ballsy to predict a pick six and a Ravens win?
Pittsburgh
The Steelers may have had the off week but they will be now facing a Ravens team feeling good about their chances as they already beat the Pittsburgh in Steeltown earlier this season. For Pittsburgh, they have to hope that a week of rest will be enough for playmaking safety Troy Polamalu to be able to be healthy for their biggest game of the year. Without him they are a much different team. 
Pittsburgh has the number one scoring defense in the NFL but for the Steelers to win they need a big game out of Big Ben. RB Rashard Mendenhall is averaging only 60ypg against Baltimore this season and it could be argued that Ben Roethlisberger’s presence is the difference between them winning and losing against the Ravens (0-1 without him, 1-0 with him). The big QB is the wild card for this team and not just behaviourally. Usually when they need a big play he gets it done somehow.
These teams are so familiar with each other that this game really is a chess match. The last time they met in the playoffs was two years ago with Pittsburgh winning at home by a score of 23-14 as 6 point favourites. That might have been Joe Flacco’s worst game as a pro as he threw three picks and completed just 13 of 30 passes. If the Steelers can harass him into that kind of performance than they will win again.
The Pick: This is a feel play and I am feeling that the Ravens can win for a second time in Pittsburgh this season. It won’t be easy though, the Steelers will fight to the end.
NFL Gambling Trends
Ravens are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Ravens are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Ravens are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 playoff road games.
Ravens are 8-3-2 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
Steelers are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games in January.
Steelers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC North.
Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff home games.
Score Prediction: Baltimore 24 – Pittsburgh 21
