This game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers was supposed to take place on Thanksgiving. However, the Ravens had several positive Covid-19 cases, and the league moved the game to Sunday afternoon, only to push it back again Tuesday night and then again today at 3:40 P.M. est. Several Steeler players voiced their displeasure with the NFL’s decision, most notably was star wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
First the NFL takes away our bye week because another team can’t get their Covid situation together, now they take away our Thanksgiving primetime game for the same reason. Smh.
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) November 25, 2020
Several players will be out for this game after landing on the Covid-19 list, including Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Willie Snead for the Ravens, and James Conner for the Steelers. With so many critical players out, betting on this game is risky. However, here are my five favorite prop bets for today’s AFC North showdown.
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Chase Claypool Over 4.5 Receptions (-107)
Since his breakout game in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Claypool has become a consistent part of the Steelers’ offense. He has at least eight targets in all but two games since the Steelers’ Week 4 bye. Furthermore, Claypool has at least four receptions in six of his last seven games, including catching five of his nine targets against the Ravens in Week 8. In their matchup earlier this season, the Ravens gave up 14 receptions to the Steelers’ wide receivers despite a quiet game from Diontae Johnson. Look for the Steelers to make a statement today and get Claypool involved in the offense early and often.
Robert Griffin III Over 0.5 Interceptions (-175)
During his time in Baltimore, Griffin has thrown three interceptions compared to one touchdown on 46 pass attempts. Furthermore, in his lone start last season, Griffin threw for a total of 96 yards and an interception against the Steelers. Meanwhile, the Steelers have 15 interceptions this season, recording at least one in all but two games. Furthermore, they are coming off a season-high four interceptions last week and picked off Jackson twice in their Week 8 matchup. After being thrown into the starting role last minute and having almost no time to practice, the Ravens’ offense will struggle, and Griffin will throw an interception.
Ben Roethlisberger Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-160)
Until Big Ben lets us down, we will continue to hammer the over on this prop. Big Ben is averaging 2.4 passing touchdowns per game this season and has thrown two or more in all but one game this season, including five straight games. Meanwhile, the Ravens have given up two or more passing touchdowns in three of their last five games, including two to Big Ben in Week 8. Despite throwing for his second-fewest pass attempts in a game during the Week 8 matchup, Big Ben was still able to toss two touchdowns. Today’s game should require more of him with Conner out, and he is more likely to throw three touchdowns than one or fewer.
Marquise Brown Over 2.5 Receptions (-163)
Entering the year, Baltimore had high hopes for Brown. However, he is averaging the same 3.2 receptions per game as he did last season. Furthermore, Brown has a total of six receptions over his past four games despite seeing 17 targets. For some reason, the Ravens have been unable to get Brown involved in their passing game. However, without Andrews, Snead, Ingram, and Dobbins available for this game, the Ravens have limited options. While Dez Bryant and Devin Duvernay will see some targets, expect Brown to be the focal point of the passing attack and finish with at least four receptions.
Eric Ebron Over 3.5 Receptions (-167)
Over the last eight games, Ebron has become a critical part of the Steelers’ offense, averaging just under four receptions per game. During that span, he has at least four in five of those games. Furthermore, in the Week 8 matchup, Ebron caught four of five targets for 48 yards. Meanwhile, the Ravens have struggled to slow down tight ends. They have given up four or more receptions to the position in 70 percent of their games this season. Furthermore, removing the games against Washington, Cincinnati, and New England, the Ravens are giving up an average of 6.6 receptions per game to tight ends. Expect Ebron to pull in at least four receptions for the sixth time this season.
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