Sorry for the goof-up...title of thread should read week 4.
Been on this site alot lately, and enjoying the expertise and picks of alot of knowledgeable people. Though I am sure there will be alot of conversation regarding this game on here, I feel strongly enough to contribute my two cents. I expected this to open at Pitt -3.5, possibly as low as Pitt -3...to my surprise I got it at -1.5 . Ravens are getting too much respect here, in my opinion. Offensively challenged Ravens are going up against red-hot Steeler D, which might be the best in football. While Ravens have formidable D also, circumstances do not favor them. Ray Rice, huge key to Ravens O has severe knee contusion, and questionable for game. Even if he goes, Ravens running game has been mediocre this year, and Steelers have been stuffing the run. Ravens will have to go to air to be successful. Steelers are among sack leaders through three games. If they get pressure on Flacco, I expect him to revert to what we saw two weeks ago in Cincy....rushed throws, bad mechanics, lack of composure. Baltimore will struggle, I believe, to get in end zone. It will not take many points to beat them.
Additionally, Pitt has SU record of 19-5 last three regular seasons at Heinz Field. They have beaten Ravens in Pitt last four, and nine of last ten. And with line at 1 to 1.5, you are essentially picking them to win. While I do not discount Ravens defensive prowess, or number of weapons they have on offense this year (if Flacco can find them), hard to envision a scenario where the Steelers do not win this. Strong on Pitt -1.5, but welcome other views on either side.
Been on this site alot lately, and enjoying the expertise and picks of alot of knowledgeable people. Though I am sure there will be alot of conversation regarding this game on here, I feel strongly enough to contribute my two cents. I expected this to open at Pitt -3.5, possibly as low as Pitt -3...to my surprise I got it at -1.5 . Ravens are getting too much respect here, in my opinion. Offensively challenged Ravens are going up against red-hot Steeler D, which might be the best in football. While Ravens have formidable D also, circumstances do not favor them. Ray Rice, huge key to Ravens O has severe knee contusion, and questionable for game. Even if he goes, Ravens running game has been mediocre this year, and Steelers have been stuffing the run. Ravens will have to go to air to be successful. Steelers are among sack leaders through three games. If they get pressure on Flacco, I expect him to revert to what we saw two weeks ago in Cincy....rushed throws, bad mechanics, lack of composure. Baltimore will struggle, I believe, to get in end zone. It will not take many points to beat them.
Additionally, Pitt has SU record of 19-5 last three regular seasons at Heinz Field. They have beaten Ravens in Pitt last four, and nine of last ten. And with line at 1 to 1.5, you are essentially picking them to win. While I do not discount Ravens defensive prowess, or number of weapons they have on offense this year (if Flacco can find them), hard to envision a scenario where the Steelers do not win this. Strong on Pitt -1.5, but welcome other views on either side.
