Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin life without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Thursday night when archrival Baltimore invades Heinz Field with the eyes of the nation solely squared upon them.

Roethlisberger, who’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks after spraining his MCL in Pittsburgh’s 12-6 victory over the Rams in Week 3, hands the starting reigns to veteran signal caller Michael Vick. Vick completed five of six attempts for 38 yards Sunday but was sacked twice and lost a fumble. (See our article on Vick props for Thursday Night's game).

Fresh off a 28-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore has failed to cover the spread in its first three contests. This is the first time in history that the team has dropped three-straight games to begin a season.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Bettors who were going with the Pittsburgh Steelers in this one found them open up as 2-point underdogs on the betting line, but as of Thursday morning the Steelers are listed at 3-point underdogs at Sportsbook. Fans betting on totals have seen that number set earlier in the week at 45.5 for Thursday.

Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 23-21 win for the Ravens. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.

Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers sit at 2-1 (2-0-1 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Baltimore Ravens are currently 0-3 (0-3 ATS). Looking to bet on the totals? Pittsburgh is 1-2 OU, and Baltimore is 2-1 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Baltimore injuries news.

The Power Rankings at Odds Shark have the No. 12-rated Baltimore Ravens taking on the No. 6-rated Pittsburgh Steelers in this betting contest.

Statistical Matchup

The game also pits Pittsburgh's No. 11-ranked offense, averaging 25.33 PPG, against a Ravens defense that ranks No. 27 this week at 28 PPG. The Steelers aerial game is averaging 298.67 yards per game, more than the Ravens secondary allows through the air, 291 YPG per game.

In comparing defenses, the Baltimore Ravens own the league's No. 7-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 83 yards per game when on the road. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, rates No. 25 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Joe Flacco handled the Bengals defense in his team's most recent action, throwing for 362 yards and 2 scores, but Baltimore still lost to Cincinnati 28-24.

Antonio Brown hauled in 11 passes for 108 yards against the St. Louis defense in the team's last game, leading Pittsburgh over the Rams 12-6 on Sunday.

Next Betting Matchups

Baltimore home to Cleveland, Sunday, October 11th
Pittsburgh at San Diego, Monday, October 12th