Steelers open as 3-point favorites over Ravens in Week 4

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first victory of the season was far from impressive, but it would appear this was just about good enough to convince the Las Vegas oddsmakers that Pittsburgh should be favorites when they take on the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Playing in back-to-back prime-time games, the Steelers have been made marginal favorites for their clash with their most hated rivals by a spread of three points.

While it’s traditionally been believed that playing at home is always worth 2.5 points against the spread, this isn’t really how the bookmakers see it. But it would be fair to say that Pittsburgh is barely favored at home by Las Vegas. With two relatively-convincing wins to their credit so far in 2018, the Ravens represent a significant challenge in Week 4, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this opening line fall somewhat as it gets closer to game day.

An initial Over/Under of 48.5 points reflects the Steelers’ inability to stop anyone from scoring just as much as it relates to their abilities on offense. Once traditionally low-scoring encounters, games between these two AFC North rivals have seen a lot of points more recently, with two of their last three games easily exceeding this opening totals position.

For moneyline backers, an opening price of +153 to -167 offered reasonable value for Pittsburgh and the early action has already moved this line to a best price of -175 at the time of writing. The Steelers currently hold a 27-21 advantage over Baltimore dating back to 1996, including four playoff games, and they’ve won their last three in a row over the Ravens.

Updated Super Bowl odds.