It’s been an unusual year for the AFC North. Heading into Week 13, all four teams in the division are at .500 or below. That’s coming off a 2024 season when three of the division’s four teams were in the hunt for the NFL playoffs until the final weekend.
That makes Sunday’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) and the Baltimore Ravens (6-6) even more important. The winner will take sole possession of the division’s top spot and – at least temporarily – will be the only squad in the division with a winning record.
Will Pittsburgh or Baltimore be able to make that claim on Sunday afternoon? We’ll cover that and provide bettors with our top three player prop wagers from this important AFC North divisional matchup.
Despite turning 42 this week, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers has shown he’s still a capable NFL quarterback. He’s completed over 65 percent of his passes for 2,086 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions through 11 games.
His recent three-game stretch has been abysmal, however. Rodgers has completed 35 of his 67 attempts for 394 yards in games against the Chargers, Bengals, and Bills. Four times this year, he’s failed to surpass the 200-yard mark, including an early-season win against New England.
Only the Browns and Rams have failed to surpass the 200-yard mark against the Ravens’ defense this season. Despite recent struggles, bettors should expect the ageless wonder to have a decent outing and cover his passing prop wager total.
A season after nearly rushing for 2,000 yards for the second time in his career, running back Derrick Henry remains among the league’s best. The 31-year-old veteran has rushed for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns on 197 attempts, figures that rank among the NFL’s top seven in each category.
Running against the Steelers has been hit-or-miss this season. After allowing back-to-back 100-yard performances to open the season, the Steelers shut down four straight opponents’ rushing attacks.
Now, two opponents in their last three games have nearly hit the century mark, including Buffalo’s James Cook last week. Cook finished with 32 carries, 144 yards, and three scores. That’s a good sign that Henry will surpass his rushing prop bet total on Sunday.
No matter who Baltimore has under center, third-year wide receiver Zay Flowers emerges as the team’s top target. He’s caught 60 passes this season, notching 767 receiving yards and one touchdown for the Ravens.
Pittsburgh’s traditionally stout defense has been a shell of itself this season. The Steelers have surrendered at least 60 receiving yards to 11 wide receivers this season. That bodes well for Flowers in this matchup. Expect him to surpass at least the 60-yard mark en route to covering his receiving prop bet total.
Last week, the Cincinnati Bengals snapped Baltimore’s five-game winning streak. It was the first loss that the Ravens suffered since Lamar Jackson returned to the starting lineup following his early-season injury.
Entering Sunday’s game, he’s expected to play despite concerns regarding his ankle. While that should make Baltimore fans happy, bettors should be wary of his health. That’s why we’re avoiding both him and the Ravens in this pivotal divisional game.
Instead, take the Steelers to solve Baltimore’s defense. While it’s hard to call for a win due to Pittsburgh’s recent skid, it’s harder to suggest the Ravens will win this game by a touchdown or more. Take the Steelers to cover the 5.5-point spread on Sunday.