It hasn't been pretty, but the Pittsburgh Steelers entered their bye week at 3-1. They've squeaked out three one-score victories early in the 2025 NFL campaign. However, if the latest AFC North odds are any indication, bookmakers ostensibly view this knack for pulling out tight contests as fluky and unsustainable.
The Baltimore Ravens understandably opened the season as the frontrunners to defend their status as two-time reigning division champions. Nevertheless, the circumstances have changed drastically over the past month as they've fallen to 1-4. Yet, yesterday's price questionably remains today's going rate, with FanDuel Sportsbook still considering them the favorite.
What must Pittsburgh do to get more buy-in from wagering platforms? How much lower does Baltimore need to sink for Vegas to swing the pendulum toward the Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers fans are livid after Ravens still favored in latest AFC North odds
For context, Baltimore's -105 odds translate to a 51.22 percent implied probability. Meanwhile, the Steelers (+130) have a 43.48 percent chance of dethroning the Ravens despite holding a two-and-a-half game win-loss record advantage. Even if the sports betting industry disagrees, Pittsburgh has a prime opportunity to reclaim the AFC North for the first time since 2020.
At what point do Baltimore's defensive shortcomings matter? They can't stop anyone and notably lack the firepower to make up for it, at least for now. The Ravens have allowed more points to start this year than any five-game stretch in franchise history (h/t ESPN's Jeremy Fowler).
Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson headlines their extensive injury report. Pittsburgh's heated rival is dealing with a rash of health concerns surrounding marquee players on both sides of the ball. Baltimore's blemishes become more apparent without the two-time MVP, and his status remains unclear as of this writing.
Right now, we're being told that the Ravens in their current state are more likely to claim AFC North supremacy than the Steelers. Either the Black and Gold seemingly haven't won convincingly enough, or a snake-bitten Baltimore squad is being given the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, Pittsburgh is being overlooked and disrespected.
Of course, betting lines aren't the be-all and end-all, considering several underlying factors influence the market. We should use odds as a guideline rather than set-in-stone rules. Be that as it may, they're a strong indicator and helpful data point that helps put things into perspective.