Various sports betting houses have placed the Baltimore Ravens as the early favorite over the Pittsburgh Steelers for this week’s upcoming game.

MyBookie Online Sportsbook currently lists the Ravens as 3 point favorites over the Steelers.

Of course, Pittsburgh being a favorite, or an underdog, completely lies in whether or not Ben Roethlisberger plays on Sunday… or does it?

Let’s examine if the Steelers should be underdogs to the Ravens, based on Pittsburgh’s history against Baltimore during Mike Tomlin’s tenure as head coach (since 2007).

Tomlin’s road record

It’s a known fact that Tomlin-lead teams haven’t fared well against teams with losing records on the road.

This Sunday, the 4-3 Steelers will travel to face the 3-4 Ravens, in Baltimore.

Based on the last 2 road visits, the Steelers will need to play up to their potential to beat the Ravens, given the bad losses in Philadelphia and Miami.

Their last meeting? A 9-5 Steelers team went into Baltimore against a 4-10 Ravens team, and lost 20-17.

Edge: Baltimore

Ben plays

Ben Roethlisberger has played 15 times against the Ravens, with an overall 9-6 record against them.

However, the Steelers haven’t won a game in Baltimore, with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, since December 5th, 2010.

Edge: Baltimore

Ben doesn’t play

The Steelers record in games where Big Ben hasn’t played against the Ravens isn’t much better.

Since Mike Tomlin took over as head coach, Pittsburgh has started someone other than Ben Roethlisberger in 6 games against the Ravens: Dennis Dixon, Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich, and Michael Vick.

Of those 6 games, the Steelers have won only one of those: their last victory in Baltimore, on December 2nd, 2012.

Edge: Baltimore

On the road

It’s a known fact that Tomlin-lead teams haven’t fared well against teams with losing records on the road.

This Sunday, the 4-3 Steelers will travel to face the 3-4 Ravens, in Baltimore.

Based on the last 2 road visits, the Steelers will need to play up to their potential to beat the Ravens, given the bad losses in Philadelphia and Miami.

The Ravens lead also lead the all-time season series in Baltimore 11-9.

Edge: Baltimore

In November

Both teams have met 10 times in the month of November, with the Ravens holding a 7-3 mark in the month.

Edge: Baltimore

Overall

Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are 10-11 all-time against the Ravens. The promising note is that most of the losses were with backup quarterbacks under center, and those were also close games.

Losses with Dennis Dixon and Michael Vick both went to overtime, while a 2012 home loss with Byron Leftwich starting, was determined by a punt return for a touchdown.

While the games have been close overall, the series has been Baltimore’s since 2013. The Steelers have lost 5 of their last 7 against the Ravens, going back to 2013.

In all but one of those games, Ben Roethlisberger was the quarterback.

Edge: Baltimore

Conclusion

Sports betting houses typically know their stuff. One might think Roethlisberger’s status may affect the line, but the history of these games trends toward favoring Baltimore, especially games played at M&T Bank Stadium.

Pittsburgh will need to bring their A game on Sunday, in order to win their first game in that stadium since 2012.

Following a bye week, and potentially having a healthy Ben back on the field, could swing the odds in their favor.

 

MyBookie.ag recently updated their betting odds favorites to win Super Bowl LI. Click here to see who they favor.