Steelers vs. Ravens preview: Playoff scenarios, odds, how to watch Saturday's game

As of last week, the Baltimore Ravens are the top seed in the AFC. They have earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. While no team likes to see their division rival secure the top seed in their conference, this is actually good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers need to win in Week 18 in order to have any shot of reaching the playoffs. The Ravens have nothing to play for though. They can win, lose, tie, no matter what, they are locked into the top seed, which means it's very likely that the Ravens rest their starters in order to give them more time to rest up and prepare for the Divisional Round.

Of course, winning will be no easy task regardless. The Ravens are known for their depth. The team had won 24 straight preseason games before falling to the Washington Commanders this year after all. The Ravens' backups know how to get it done. So, will the Steelers stay alive or fall out of contention?

Here's everything to know about this Week 18 AFC North matchup.

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Steelers vs. Ravens odds, spread and lines

The Steelers are favorites to defeat the Ravens, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

All odds as of Thursday.

• Spread: Steelers (-3.5)

• Moneyline: Steelers (-190); Ravens (+155)

• Over/under: 35

How to watch Steelers vs. Ravens: TV, streaming and schedule

When: Saturday, Jan. 6, 4:30 p.m. ET

Where: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD

Cable TV: ESPN, ABC

Streaming: ESPN+, Sling TV, FuboTV

How to watch: Don't miss any NFL action with an ESPN+ subscription

Steelers vs. Ravens tiebreaker, playoff scenarios

Obviously, this game means nothing for the Ravens. The only thing motivating them will be paychecks, pride, and the opportunity to keep their division rivals out of the postseason.

This game means everything to Pittsburgh though. There are three scenarios where the Steelers reach the playoffs if they win and only one scenario where they reach the playoffs if they lose.

If the Steelers lose:

If Pittsburgh loses, the only way they can reach the playoffs is through the following conditions:

• The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans do not tie

• The Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans

• The Denver Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders

If the Steelers tie:

If the Steelers tie the Ravens, they can reach the playoffs so long as the Jaguars lose and the Texans and Colts game does not end in a tie.

If the Steelers win:

Here's where things start to get interesting. There are three outs for the Steelers should they beat the Ravens.

• The Colts and Texans tie

• The Buffalo Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins

• The Jaguars lose or tie

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers vs. Ravens: Playoff scenarios, odds and how to watch