AFC: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers point spread

AFC: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers point spread We continue our preview of the odds and point spread with the AFC Championship game Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The memories of the last meeting between the Baltimore Ravens (11-5 reg.) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4 reg.) on Dec. 14th are still fresh, a game won 13-9 by the Steelers on the road, but truth be told, the Ravens were the underdog of the final four NFL teams remaining to win the Super Bowl even before the start of the regular season. But a victory over the Titans on the road in wild-card playoffs and stomping over the Dolphins during the playoff games ensured the Ravens will at least have a shot at the AFC Championship title on Sunday. Meanwhile the Steelers secured the spot in the AFC Championship final by a 24-35 victory at home against the Chargers and remain the Super Bowl favorite.

Looking at the betting odds and point spread posted by the popular online sportsbook Bookmaker, the Steelers are also the ultimate favorite of the Championship games this weekend, Pittsburgh being listed with odds -255 to win the AFC Championship, while the Ravens are underdog with long odds +215 on an upset this Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers point spread is currently at -6 points chalk the Steelers with the total set by Bookmaker at 34 points, although statistically, the Ravens are the NFL leader in points allowed with just 9.5 per game, while the Steelers are 6th overall with 24 points allowed on average per game. Also keep in mind that although Baltimore is 7-1 against the spread in its last 8 games and Pittsburgh is 6-1 against the spread in its last 7 games, the Steelers are 14-7 against the spread in their last 21 games when playing at home against the Ravens.

There are no injuries to report at Pittsburgh, after safety Troy Polamalu did a full practice on Thursday, but the Ravens are in much worse position entering the AFC Championship game this week. Baltimore linebacker Antwan Barnes is out for the Ravens vs. Steelers AFC Championship game while wide receivers Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason, defensive tackle Justin Bannan, cornerback Samari Rolle and linebacker Terrell Suggs all missed Thursday practice. Ravens linebackers Jarret Johnson and Ray Lewis, along with tight end Todd Heap and safety Ed Reed had limited practice yesterday and remain questionable for the AFC Championship game Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

Published on 01/16/2009