NFL Picks Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-4): This Sunday afternoon beginning at 4:15 PM ET (1:15 PM PT) on CBS, NFL’s top defenses square off for AFC North dominance when the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to M&T Bank Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens. Legendary defenses have taken the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers to Super Bowl titles in the past. This year their defenses are certainly among the best in the league, as they look to finish strong.
Needless to say, this will likely be the most physical football game we’ve seen all year long. It should be fun to watch. "They're all hated," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "Anybody in purple, they're hated. It's a respect, but there's no love for them. They're not inviting me to come out and eat crab cakes with them."
Odds makers at BetUS.com have set the stage for this hard-hitting contest. Sports-Odds show that the Baltimore Ravens [-3] hold the edge over the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers [+3] by a field goal, this Sunday.
Going into Week 15, Pittsburgh is currently ranked 1st in all 4 major (defensive) categories: points (14.1), total yards (241.9), pass yards (168.9), and rush yards (73.0). "We have a great team defense," Pittsburgh cornerback Deshea Townsend said. "There's not one person on this defense that will say they'll take all the credit… In order for us to stop the run, the secondary has to be a part, and in order to stop the pass the D-line and linebackers have to be a part. And that's one thing that makes us a close group."
Meanwhile and not to be outdone, Baltimore ranks: 3rd in points (15.4), 2nd in total yards (253.4) and pass yards (176.4), and finally 3rd against the rush (77.0). “… the way our defense came out and set down (Redskins running back) Clinton Portis, the guys up front did an extremely incredible freaking job," said the Ravens' vocal leader Ray Lewis of his team’s defense performance against Washington. The OVER/UNDER for this, NFL Picks: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens, has been set at a combined total of 34 points.
The last time these two clubs met was in Week 4. Both teams played a highly competitive contest that day, but it was the Steelers’ kicker Jeff Reed who stole the show. Reed hit three field goals, including the 46-yard winner in overtime, as the Steelers beat the Ravens 23-20 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have won two of the past three games against the Ravens and lead the overall series 15-10.
