Ravens 8 Point Favorites vs. Steelers

Nov 25, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive back James Ihedigbo (32) on the sideline before the start of overtime against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The Ravens may be doubted almost unanimously by the media, but Vegas still likes them. Vegas has like them all year.

The Ravens opened as a 10 point favorite and have been lowered to an 8 point favorite with the return of Polamalu and Antonio Brown to the starting lineup. The two point dip isnt Vegas loosing faith, its simply them trying to play the odds. Right now the odds are saying the Ravens win, and win big. An 8 point spread means the oddsmakers are trying to encourage betting on the steelers to cover. This has been traditionally a game decided by a TD or less, so bettor confidence would be high. but the oddsmakers always make the bet look to easy. That is how they win. An 8 point spread means the oddsmakers are probably expecting at least a ten point victory for the Ravens, what is even more interesting is that one well known and credited oddsmaker has said that he has Ben Roethlisberger as being worth 4.1 points. that means if Ben were to play and the Steelers announced it Friday, there is a very good chance the line would be immediately dropped to around 3-5 points. about the margin that this game usually plays out to be.

The Oddsmakers believe in the Ravens, I usually believe in the Oddsmakers. They say the House always wins, this weekend, the Ravens will represent the house, and my gut feeling is that they will hold up their end of the bargain.