Steelers vs Ravens Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/21/24

Pittsburgh vs Baltimore (BAL -6.5 , 44.5)

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Steelers vs Ravens Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/21/24

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore | Saturday, December 21, 2024

Barely a month ago the Steelers and Ravens went toe-to-toe in yet another tightly contested AFC North clash, and on Saturday afternoon they’ll meet again.

The Steelers came out on top in that game, and almost as a direct result have a one game lead over the Ravens in the division title race.

If they win this Saturday, that divide will stretch to two games, and all but seal their position as one of the top seeds in the AFC playoff picture. On the flip side, it would be disastrous for the Ravens to lose, but if they win this time around, they’ll be back on level terms with Pittsburgh and two games left to play.

So pretty intense consequences riding on this game for both teams, in what is always a thrilling rivalry. That said, it’s been pretty one sided in the win column in recent years. The Steelers have won eight of the last nine between the two sides, including this year's game.

Baltimore will want to quickly correct that if they want to set themselves up for a successful playoff run and a home field tie.

Still, Lamar Jackson and his team will take a lot of confidence from the efficient performance against the New York Giants last weekend.

Now, yes it’s the Giants, but Lamar still managed to go 21-25 for 290 yards and no less than five passing touchdowns to give them a 35-14 win. They were double digit favorites, but still went out and executed, and it’s exactly the boost they needed going into a tough game against a fierce division rival.

This Ravens offense is still a top three offense in the NFL. They’re scoring 29.9 points per game (3rd), averaging over 424 total yards of offense per game (1st), and 6.9 yards per play (also 1st).

Derrick Henry had 65 yards and a touchdown on the ground in the last game against the Steelers, and his contribution in this one is going to be vital. Lamar went 16 of 33 under a lot of pressure from TJ Watt and co, and threw one interception in that game too.

This Steelers defensive unit is no joke. They are a top five unit against the run, and a top ten unit overall. They’re allowing 316.6 yards per game (9th), and only give up 35% conversions on third down (7th).

They are more vulnerable against the pass, but if pressure can get to Lamar upfront, that becomes less of an issue.

One thing to watch out for is the status of both TJ Watt and George Pickens going into the game. Watt has been limited this week and there is a chance he has to sit out, while Pickens hasn’t played since Week 13, dealing with a hamstring injury.

You could argue that the pair are Pittsburgh’s most influential on both sides of the ball, which could prove problematic if they can’t go on Saturday.

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