NFL Week 8: Steelers vs. Ravens odds, pick & prediction

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (left) looks to throw. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)

October 27th, 2020

The best game of the NFL season is set to take place Sunday, when the Pittsburgh Steelers head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.

The Steelers are the last remaining unbeaten team in the NFL, and they are also 5-1 against the spread. The Ravens are 5-1, and 3-3 ATS, with their lone loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Steelers vs. Ravens injury report

Coming off a bye week, the Ravens are rested and fairly healthy. The most notable potential absence is running back Mark Ingram, but even he may return, and if he doesn’t, the Ravens have promising rookie J.K. Dobbins to fill in.

Still getting stronger 😈
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) October 22, 2020

The Steelers are healthier than most teams but have some injury concerns. Star linebacker Devin Bush tore his ACL in Week 6, defensive lineman Lavon Hooks is banged up, and receiver Diontae Johnson limped off the field last week, and his status will be questionable for Week 8. Johnson has been an integral part of the Steelers offense.

Pittsburgh's D is leading the way

Everybody knew the Steelers would be a tough defensive team, and they have not disappointed. They force opposing offenses off the field faster than any team in the league, are third in yards allowed per pass attempt, and second in yards allowed per rush attempt.

While the offense has started to hit its stride, it struggles with turnovers and hasn't been proficient at stretching the field deep through the passing game. JuJu Smith-Schuster is the No. 1 target, and his longest reception of the year is just 28 yards.

Ravens are no slouches on defense themselves

The Ravens have been nearly as impressive on defense, and they rank second in yards allowed per pass attempt.

Their offense is one of the more innovative in the league, along with the Chiefs and 49ers. Ever since Lamar Jackson entered the conversation, the unit has featured a powerful rushing attack, thanks to his dynamic athleticism. The Ravens are the best rushing team in the league (5.4 yards per rush), and with the Steelers defense weakened by injuries in the interior, the Ravens will presumably try to win this strength-versus-strength matchup with rushes and plays up the middle of the field to tight end Mark Andrews.

Steelers vs. Ravens betting trends

The statistics for this game point to an even matchup, but perhaps the most important stat to look at is Jim Harbaugh’s record coming off a bye. Since he took over for Baltimore in 2008, Harbaugh and the Ravens cover more than any team in that scenario, with a 11-3 ATS record.

Pittsburgh just played a high-intensity game against the previously undefeated Tennessee Titans, and this is just a bad spot for the Steelers. Beware of the undefeated public underdog taking the majority of the action.