You never root for injuries, even for rival players. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are undoubtedly catching a massive break as the Baltimore Ravens' downtrodden defense continues losing bodies, especially following the latest news cycle.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Ravens star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will miss the remainder of the season due to a neck issue. Roughly 30 minutes later, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that a Grade 2 hamstring strain will cost Baltimore's standout linebacker Roquan Smith "a few weeks." Talk about a double whammy of unfortunate updates.
Conversely, the Steelers could, and frankly should, smell blood in the water given Baltimore's current state. The Ravens dropping to 1-3 in a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs amid a slew of health concerns makes the AFC North attainable. This is a prime opportunity for the Black and Gold to reclaim divisional supremacy for the first time since 2020, one they can't waste.
Steelers' path to AFC North crown clears with Nnamdi Madubuike, Roquan Smith and other Ravens stars injured
Either the market hasn't adjusted to the circumstances or has blind faith in the Ravens. DraftKings Sportsbook gives the Steelers +240 odds of dethroning the two-time reigning AFC North champions. For context, that's a 29.4 percent implied probability.
We're no betting experts, nor claim to be, but context tells us the math doesn't add up. Bookmakers are ostensibly disrespecting the 3-1 Steelers, considering they have a two-game lead on the Ravens atop the standings. Moreover, a banged-up Pittsburgh squad somehow boasts a much cleaner bill of health than Baltimore, which can't be discounted.
Madubuike's absence will certainly be felt; he's one of the NFL's most disruptive forces along the trenches. The two-time Pro Bowler is an elite interior pass rusher, illustrated by his 13-sack campaign in 2023, a single-season high by a defensive tackle since 2001. Life will be much easier for the Ravens' forthcoming opponents, which includes Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Co. (twice), without him mucking things up.
Smith has earned three consecutive All-Pro First Team nods since joining the Ravens in 2022. Whether they're asking him to stop the run, drop back in coverage, or get to the passer, he's done it all at a high level. His versatility and ability to control the middle of the field have been a linchpin for the club.
High-end contributors like Madubuike and Smith going down are only the tip of the iceberg for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson is also dealing with a hamstring strain he suffered against the Chiefs. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh adamantly voiced that the superstar signal-caller's malady was severe enough that returning to the contest was seemingly never an option. All of this puts the ball further in the Steelers' court.