Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens 2017: Prediction, Betting Odds For Week 4

The Baltimore Ravens (2-1) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) in a Week 4 AFC North matchup. The winner will have sole possession of first place in the division with both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals both lagging with 0-3 records.

Last season, the home team prevailed in both games. The Ravens jumped out to an early lead when quarterback Joe Flacco found former Steeler Mike Wallace on a 95-yard touchdown play in a 21-14 win that snapped a four-game losing streak in Week 9. In Week 16, Steelers star wide out Antonio Brown's lunged for a 4-yard touchdown reception with 9 seconds left to give Pittsburgh a 31-27 win to clinch the division title.

The latest betting odds have Pittsburgh favored by 2.5 points, via OddsShark, and the over/under is 42 points. A closer look at the Week 4 game can provide better insight on how the game might turn out.

Why Baltimore Could Cover

The Ravens were humiliated in London on Sunday, falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars 44-7. Neither the offense nor the defense will play as poorly in Week 4, especially considering the opponent. John Harbaugh's squad should be rejuvenated at home.

The Ravens have traditionally played the Steelers tough and the defense had looked sharp prior to the Jaguars defeat. The defense allowed just 10 total points against the Browns and Bengals. Baltimore's defense also leads the NFL in interceptions (8).

In the offseason, Baltimore seemed to revamp the secondary with the sole interest of containing the Steelers star wide receivers. The Ravens have done a good job pressuring the Bengals' Andy Dalton and should keep 35-year-old Ben Roethlisberger off his rhythm. The days of Big Ben scrambling for 20-yard runs are over, which means Baltimore can focus on containing Le'Veon Bell and the receivers.

On offense, Flacco will bounce back from an abysmal performance against Jacksonville and he has two solid rushers in Buck Allen and Terrance West. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin should play a bigger role.

The Ravens will be without tight end Maxx Williams (ankle), defensive tackle Brandon Williams (foot), defensive end Brent Urban (foot) and rookie cornerback Jaylen Hill (thigh). Veteran tight end Benjamin Watson (calf), who leads the team in receiving yards, is listed as questionable, but he practiced Friday.

Why Pittsburgh Will Cover

While the Ravens are coming off a humiliating loss, the Steelers also fell short, losing in overtime to the Chicago Bears, 23-17.

The Steelers have more offense than the Ravens. Star running back Le'Veon Bell is overdue for a big game. Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant are among the best receiving combos in the league. Jesse James is among the most underrated tight ends.

Pittsburgh has a big advantage with the Ravens lacking Brandon Williams and Brent Urban. This should give Bell and other rushers an opportunity to find holes. While the defense may not be loaded with stars, the Steelers should be able to contain a Ravens attack that won't have their top receiver at full strength.

Mike Tomlin's squad is mostly healthy, too. Defensive end Stephon Tuitt (bicep) practiced Wednesday, while linebacker Bud Dupree was a limited participant. Safety Mike Mitchell continues to nurse a hamstring injury.

Prediction: The Steelers have the edge to cover. But because the game is at M&T Bank Stadium, it should be closer than many expect. This is the type of game that could be won or lost by the unexpected variables: penalties, injuries and turnovers. Pittsburgh should do just enough to keep the game competitive in the first three quarters before breaking things open in the fourth.

Steelers over Ravens, 23-17