To avoid their first 0-4 start since 2013 and keep any playoff aspirations alive after the loss of Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers had to get creative.
During a Monday night matchup of winless teams, the Steelers emerged with their first victory against the woeful Cincinnati Bengals, 27-3.
The Steelers go from being four-point favorites against the cellar-dwelling Bengals to underdogs. Most PA online sportsbooks have the Steelers at +3.5 versus the visiting Baltimore Ravens.
PA lines for Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Want to bet on the Steelers? Here is a look at the available spreads, moneylines, and totals at Pennsylvania betting sites SugarHouse, BetRivers, Fox Bet and FanDuel. (Last updated Oct. 5):
| Spread | Total | Moneyline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlaySugarHouse | PIT +3 | 44 | BAL -186 PIT +150 |
| BetRivers | PIT +3 | 44 | BAL -186 PIT +150 |
| FanDuel | PIT +3.5 | 44 | BAL -176 PIT +152 |
| Fox Bet | PIT +3.5 | 44.5 | BAL -175 PIT +150 |
Bengals vs. Steelers: A look back
The Steelers offense also got spicy on Monday night. They unleashed Jalen Samuels as a running back/receiver/wildcat quarterback to the tune of 134 yards of total yards of offense. Running back James Conner broke out of a season-long slump and contributed 42 rushing yards, 83 receiving yards, and one touchdown. The pair helped take some of the pressure off of Roethlisberger’s replacement, Mason Rudolph. The second-year quarterback was efficient completing 24 of 28 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
The spotlight was on the offense and how they would react in Game 2 post-Big Ben. But the defense starred. Pittsburgh’s defense held the Bengals to 175 total yards and sacked Andy Dalton eight times. Linebackers Mark Barron and Devin Bush combined for 20 total tackles in a shutdown of the Bengals offense.
Baltimore vs. Steelers preview
This Ravens vs. Steelers game will have a different look. Roethlisberger, who has faced the Ravens 26 times (15-11) since 2004 won’t be under center. It’s also the first time the Steelers face dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Steelers posted a season-high 326 total yards against a porous Bengals defense. However, and feel free to fan yourself with your Terrible Towels if you faint from shock, the Baltimore Ravens defense is statistically worse than the Bengals. The Ravens are ranked 27th in total team defense (the Bengals 24th). They are also surrendering 25 ppg.
There is a bit of dissension in the Ravens’ nest. After their Week 4 40-25 home loss to the Browns, there were reports of infighting in the locker room.
While their defense has been lagging, the Ravens offense has been electric. They rank tops in total team offense with 482.5 ypg and 33.8 ppg. Before they slowed the Bengals, the Steelers defense gave up an average of 28.3 during their first three games. It’s a short week for the Steelers. The Ravens (2-2) are looking to rebound from a home loss. The Steelers are going to have to lean heavily on their pass rush which leads the league with 14 sacks to rattle Jackson.
Pittsburgh Steelers Week 5 betting numbers to know
The total has gone under in four of Pittsburgh’s last five games.
Here are some other numbers on the Steelers to consider:
- 2-2 ATS this season
- 1-3 straight up this season
Baltimore Ravens Week 5 betting numbers to know
The total has gone over in four of Baltimore’s last six games.
Here are some other numbers on the Ravens to consider:
- 1-5 ATS in their last six games
- 1-3 ATS this season
- 3-1 over/under this season
