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In a Week 18 slate filled with meaningless games and mystery plans, the motivations for the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are clear.
The winner of Sunday night’s showdown takes the AFC North crown and the playoff spot that comes along with it. The loser doesn’t.
My early Ravens vs. Steelers predictions and NFL picks size up the opening odds and early line movement for January 4.
Ravens vs Steelers predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
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Early SNF spread pick: Ravens -3.5
This classic AFC North rivalry always breeds competition, and the opening spread follows suit. The Baltimore Ravens opened as a 3-point road favorite at Acrisure Stadium. That has since jumped a half-point hook to Ravens -3.5.
Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson missed the Week 17 win over Green Bay with a back injury but is expected to suit up in this “win and in” finale. With the way RB Derrick Henry is rolling, Baltimore may not need a lot from Jackson and the passing game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers stubbed their toes against the Browns on Sunday, with the offense sputtering for just six points and a 0-for-2 day in the red zone. Pittsburgh did take a 27-22 victory at Baltimore as 6-point underdogs in Week 14.
Some books are still dealing the field goal spread, so depending on which side you like, you can find a solid position — for a price. I’m leaning Ravens and would make sure I’m getting a field goal to avoid the pesky half-point hook in this heated rivalry.
Early SNF total pick: Under 41.5
These AFC North battles between Baltimore and Pittsburgh have been profitable for Under bettors.
In the Harbaugh vs. Tomlin era, these division foes have produced a 14-20-1 Over/Under record in the regular season, including a 3-8 O/U count since 2020.
Sunday night will have a playoff-like atmosphere, which tends to lean toward lower-scoring games, and this total has already trimmed from the opener of 42.5 points. The Week 14 meeting between these teams closed with a number of 44 points (the 27-22 final went Over).
The Ravens will run behind Henry, and the Steelers lack downfield pop in the passing game with Aaron Rodgers missing WR1 DK Metcalf for this finale.
Most books are down to the key O/U stop of 41 points, but you can pay a little extra for the Under 41.5 on SNF. FYI: the extended forecast for Pittsburgh calls chilly temperatures next Sunday, with the mercury dropping into the 20s.
Ravens vs Steelers odds
- Ravens vs. Steelers spread: Steelers +3.5
- Ravens vs. Steelers moneyline: Ravens -172, Steelers +144
- Ravens vs. Steelers Over/Under: 41.5
How to watch Ravens vs Steelers
- Ravens vs. Steelers matchup
- Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026, 8:20 p.m. ET
- City: Pittsburgh, PA
- Venue: Acrisure Stadium
- TV: NBC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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