Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Pick – November 17, 2024

In the heart of Pittsburgh, the Steelers (7-2) and Ravens (7-3) renew their fierce rivalry with first place in the AFC North hanging in the balance. For the Steelers, this is an opportunity to solidify themselves as a true contender in the stacked AFC conference. While Baltimore looks to make a statement as arguably the best team in football with a win against their bitter foes. Read more Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers pick.

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Kickoff

When: Sunday, November 17th at 1:05 PM ET

Where: Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA

TV: CBS

The Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

Sorry Mr. Jackson

Lamar Jackson’s struggles against the Steelers are mind-boggling considering how he has faired against the rest of the league. He is the reigning two-time MVP of the NFL and is 64-19 in his career against every other team besides the Steelers. Against Pittsburgh he is 2-4 with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. There does not appear to be a definitive reason for his problems with the Steelers who adjust their schemes to try and confuse Jackson. Early in his career the game plan to make him a pocket passer was effective, this won’t work any longer as he is completing a career-high 71.5% of his passes, averaging 9.3 yards per pass attempt. In their last meeting Jackson was hardly the problem as his receivers dropped five passes including two in the end zone. 

“We owe them one,” Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “We didn’t play very good on the road [game]. Gave that away.”

The Steelers will look to pressure Jackson this week as they have sacked him 20 times in his career. T.J. Watt has terrorized this unit, sacking Jackson 7.5 times and recorded 14 hits in four games against him. The problem is that he is tied with the Bills’ Josh Allen for the fewest sacks (13) allowed this year. 

The Way You Move

In what may be the best offseason pickup, the Ravens signed Derrick Henry and all he has done is lead the league in rushing with 1,120 yards and 14 touchdowns. The offense is simply loaded with talent and stopping the running attack to make them one-dimensional is easier said than done. 

“He is a unique player,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “He is a big man. When he gets to speed and he gets rolling, it looks like a track meet out there. “When you’re not playing him, he’s fun to watch. When you’re playing him, he’s probably not so fun.”

All-pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward went on to say that you are combining two MVPs together and they are really punishing defenses. 

Wheelz of Steel

It is going to take a herculean effort from the Steelers to find a way to beat the Ravens this week. The offense, led by Russell Wilson, will need to exploit a weak Baltimore secondary unit. This could be a big day for receiver George Pickens as the Ravens don’t tend to move All-Pro CB Marlon Humphrey and they can dictate matchups.

If he can line up against CB Brandon Stephens or rookie Nate Wiggins, he could have a huge day. This will be a day where the passing game will need to open the running attack. Expect the offense for the Steelers to be aggressive early as they will need to score points to have a chance this week. 

The Pick

While the Ravens’ secondary on defense is terrible, they do have the best run defense in the NFL. This is where Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin have an opportunity to really see what they have with Wilson in a big game situation. He must improve on the nearly 50% completion percentage from last week and get TE Pat Freiermuth involved over the middle of the field. The Steelers will win the turnover battle this week and Russ has his best game in years leading to a 31-27 victory over the hated Ravens. Take the Steelers with the points at home. You’ll thank me later!