What time is Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens? Date, TV channel, and odds for the Wild Card Round

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, and their rivalry has been one of the most intense and competitive in all of sports. Both teams have long histories of hard-nosed football, tough defenses, and passionate fanbases. In the 2024 NFL Wild Card Round, these two AFC North rivals will meet once again in what promises to be another thrilling installment of their fierce rivalry. As fans across the country gear up for this exciting playoff matchup, here’s everything you need to know about the game: its date, time, TV channel, and odds, as well as an in-depth preview of what to expect from this high-stakes contest.

Date and Time of the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens Wild Card Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, January 13, 2025, in the AFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium, located in Baltimore, Maryland, home of the Ravens. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET, marking the prime-time slot for what is expected to be a thrilling divisional showdown. The matchup will have massive playoff implications for both teams, as they fight for a chance to advance deeper into the postseason and potentially make a run to the Super Bowl.

This primetime slot ensures that the game will be a focal point for NFL fans everywhere, with millions of eyes expected to be glued to the screen as two of the NFL’s most physical and defensive-minded teams go head-to-head. The Ravens and Steelers know each other extremely well, making this matchup one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the Wild Card Round.

TV Channel and Streaming Information

For fans who are looking to tune in and watch this highly anticipated Wild Card matchup, the game will be broadcast on NBC, one of the premier networks in the United States for NFL coverage. Al Michaels and Tony Dungy are expected to be on the call for the game, bringing their years of experience and in-depth analysis to the broadcast. As one of the most decorated broadcasting teams in the NFL, they will undoubtedly provide insightful commentary throughout the course of the game.

If you’re unable to watch the game on television or if you’re looking for a way to stream it on the go, there are several options available. NBC’s streaming service Peacock will carry the game live, allowing you to stream it on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. You can also stream the game through popular platforms like fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV, which all offer NBC as part of their channel lineup. Be sure to check your local listings for exact streaming availability based on your location.

Odds for the Steelers vs. Ravens Wild Card Game

As with all playoff games, the stakes are high, and the odds reflect the level of competition between these two teams. Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have had strong seasons and have earned their place in the postseason, but which team will ultimately come out on top? Let’s take a look at the current odds for this Wild Card Round matchup.

• Point Spread: Baltimore Ravens -3
• Over/Under: 42.5 points
• Moneyline: Ravens -160, Steelers +140

These odds reflect the Ravens as slight favorites in this matchup, with a spread of -3 points. This means that Baltimore is expected to win by a field goal or more. The odds also suggest that the game will be a close contest, with the over/under set at 42.5 points, indicating a potentially hard-fought and low-scoring affair given the defensive prowess of both teams.

The Ravens’ -160 moneyline indicates that they are favored to win outright, but the Steelers, with their +140 odds, are certainly capable of pulling off the upset, particularly with their defensive talent and the leadership of quarterback Kenny Pickett. The odds could shift slightly leading up to the game based on various factors such as injuries, game day weather conditions, and final roster decisions, but for now, the Ravens hold a slight edge.

Why This Game Matters:

The rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens goes beyond just the Xs and Os of football. It’s a clash of cultures and identities, with both teams priding themselves on tough, physical play, gritty performances, and a “smash-mouth” style of football. This Wild Card Round game is more than just a playoff game—it’s a chance for one of these teams to take a step closer to the Super Bowl and build momentum toward a deep postseason run.

Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a solid 2024 season, finishing with a respectable record and securing a spot in the playoffs. Despite the departure of long-time quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have found stability under second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has shown maturity and poise in his development. The Steelers’ offense is built around a strong running game led by Najee Harris, and they’ve relied on their defense to keep games close.

The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, is one of the best in the league at creating turnovers and applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. If Pittsburgh is to advance in the playoffs, they will need their defense to step up in a big way, especially against the high-powered Ravens offense. The Steelers’ offensive line will also need to be better in pass protection, as they’ll be facing a Baltimore defense that has a strong pass rush and is adept at generating pressure.

Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are also a team that relies heavily on their defense, which is one of the most formidable in the NFL. With players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey leading the charge, the Ravens have been able to stifle opposing offenses and make big plays when it counts. The Ravens’ defensive front has been particularly dominant against the run, and they’ll need to continue that trend against Najee Harris and the Steelers’ ground game.

On offense, the Ravens are led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has had an outstanding season. Jackson is a dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. His ability to extend plays and make something happen out of nothing is a key factor in the Ravens’ success. If Jackson can continue to play at a high level and avoid costly turnovers, the Ravens should have a good chance of advancing. The Ravens will also lean on running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been a key contributor in the backfield, as well as wide receiver Mark Andrews, who is one of the top tight ends in the league.

The Rivalry: Steelers vs. Ravens

This rivalry has a long history of physical, hard-fought battles, with both teams regularly meeting in high-stakes games. Whether it’s the division title or playoff positioning, Steelers-Ravens games are often determined by which team can impose its will on the other. There’s rarely a game that doesn’t feature its share of big hits, hard tackles, and jawing between the players. Both fanbases are notoriously passionate and protective of their teams, which only adds to the intensity of the matchup.

In the postseason, this rivalry takes on an even more significant meaning. These teams have met in the playoffs before, and every time they do, it’s a battle that football fans know will be decided by the smallest of margins. Both teams are familiar with what it takes to win in the postseason, with the Ravens having a Super Bowl win in the past decade and the Steelers boasting six Lombardi trophies.

Key Factors to Watch:

• Kenny Pickett’s Development: How the Steelers’ young quarterback performs in his first postseason game will be crucial. Pickett has shown promise but will face a tough challenge in his playoff debut.
• Lamar Jackson’s Playmaking: Lamar Jackson has the ability to take over games with both his arm and legs. How he handles the pressure from the Steelers’ defense and whether he can avoid turnovers will play a big role in the outcome.
• Turnovers: Both teams are known for their ability to create turnovers, and whoever wins the turnover battle is likely to have the upper hand in this game.
• Defensive Matchups: Both teams have elite defenses, but the question is which defense will be able to make the more significant plays. T.J. Watt and Roquan Smith will both be crucial in their respective roles.