RAVENS NIP STEELERS IN OT

The Baltimore Ravens finally managed to put away the injury ravaged Pittsburgh Steelers in OT by a final score of 20-17.  Despite injuries to starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and backup Charlie Batch, third stringer Dennis Dixon played a solid game to keep the Steelers in the contest.  Eventually, Baltimore’s Billy Cundiff hit a 29 yard field goal in overtime to give the Ravens the hard fought win.  Both teams are now 6-5 on the season.

NFL football betting enthusiasts who took the Steelers as a +7’ road underdog cashed their tickets with the pointspread cover.  Pittsburgh is 4-7 against the NFL pointspread this season, while Baltimore is 6-5 against the number.  The 37 combined points scored went OVER the posted total of 34’.  The Steelers have gone OVER in 5 of 11 games this season, while the Ravens have gone OVER in 6 of 11.

Despite the loss, Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin had praise for Dixon’s performance in a difficult situation:

"I like his demeanor throughout it all. He made some plays. I thought he represented himself relatively well."

Still, Tomlin added:

"Please don't talk to me about moral victories and things of that nature.”

Ravens’ running back Ray Rice said that it was a much needed boost to his team’s confidence:

"This is a confidence booster. Not only against a great team with a great legacy, but a division opponent. It sets us up for a five-game season right now."

Baltimore QB Joe Flacco concurred:

"You have to be ready to play 60 minutes. Today we played more than that. It feels good. It's what we needed. Against these guys, it's even bigger.”

The Steelers are now in danger of missing the playoffs after winning the Superbowl last season.  They’ve lost three straight games for the first time since 2006 though did get some good news early this week as Ben Roethlisberger will most likely be ready to play on Sunday.

The Ravens will face the Green Bay Packers on the road this Monday night.  Baltimore is a +3 road underdog with the total set at 43’.  They’ll then return home for games the following two Sundays as they host the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.  The Steelers desperately need a win and will have a good opportunity to get one as they host the lowly Oakland Raiders this Sunday.  The game is currently off the board due to multiple Pittsburgh injuries.  They’ll then play on the road against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, December 10 before returning home to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 20.