Baltimore has been anything but reliable this season despite various talents spread throughout the roster. Quarterback Steve McNair has a brand name; however his results as Ravens leader have been strictly generic. The Ravens passing game averages a meager 5.5 yards per attempt compared to opponents who have allowed 7.0 YPA. The running game is not receiving the blocking it has in the past, grinding out 110 yards per game at 3.9 yards per carry vs. opposing teams that have given 129 YPG at 4.3 YPC. What should help McNair is the return of starting tackles Jonathan Ogden and Adam Terry, both who have been out this season for extended periods. Coach Brian Billick, besides being able to run and protect his quarterback better, can open up the playbook with tight end Todd Heap back. Baltimore was more boring than an episode of Caveman in loss to Buffalo before the bye and is 18-5 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite.

Pittsburgh has been a favorite all season long and is 5-2 straight up and against the spread. At times they been played down to competition, especially on the road were they have lost both contests. Running back Willie Parker energizes running game that averages 4.8 YPC and is the best in the NFL in yards gained per game at 159.1 YPG. Big Ben Roethlisberger has more personal freedom in coach Mike Tomlin’s system, but more than anything he is glad to reliable Hines Ward back to catch his tosses. Santonio Holmes continues to emerge as home run threat. Pittsburgh put on a strong performance last week at Cincinnati last week in covering road win and is 10-2 ATS in home games after gaining 6.5 or more yards a play in their previous contest.

When these two teams collide, defense and hard hitting is what comes to mind. Baltimore’s defense may be aging, yet there effectiveness has not diminished ranking second in the league at 268 PG allowed. The only defense doing a better work is Pittsburgh who is 11.1 yards per game lower a game. In spite of how well these defenses compete, seven of the last 12 battles between these teams have played over the total. 

Bookmaker.com opened this game at the Steelers as 7.5-point favorites and quicker than you can spell –Roethlisberger- they were bet up to 9.5, before settling at current figure of nine. The total has also lowered to 36 points.

Baltimore covers because the team as a whole is getting healthy and has more weapons at its disposal to score points. The defense will be prepared and the Ravens are 12-2 ATS as a road dog coming off a spread loss. Converting in the red zone is crucial, since they have only seven touchdowns in 23 possessions.

Pittsburgh covers because even though revenge is often overplayed angle, it is not in when your team has lost three in row to a team that division foe and has comparable talent. The Steelers are 8-1 ATS as a Monday night home favorite (5-0 ATS with revenge).

In spite of winning records, both of these AFC North teams could have better records in Week 9. The bye week gave five Baltimore starters a chance to heal. Pittsburgh’s problems have been on the road, thus towel-waving Steelers fans loaded with liquid beverages will be in full throat to root on beloved Pittsburgh. The most important aspect will be what quarterback plays better and limits mistakes. The visitor is 10-5-1 ATS in this fierce and physical AFC North war.

System to consider -Play On underdogs or pick, off an upset loss as a road favorite, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season. (11-1 ATS this last decade)