Best bets for Ravens vs. Steelers, NBA, NHL, CBB on Sunday, Jan. 4

The National Football League’s Week 18 culminates with a critical AFC North battle as the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) host the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) at Acrisure Stadium for Sunday Night Football, kicking off at 8:20 p.m. ET. This winner-take-all contest will determine the division champion and secure a playoff berth, while the losing team faces immediate elimination from postseason contention. For the Steelers, a victory would mark their first division title since the 2020 season, ending a three-year drought. Conversely, the Ravens are aiming for their third consecutive AFC North crown. The game carries significant weight for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP, whose illustrious career has been widely projected to conclude with a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction five years post-retirement. Speculation suggests this highly anticipated waiting period could begin as early as Monday, should Pittsburgh’s season end without a playoff bid. Rodgers, who will become a free agent once the Steelers’ campaign concludes, may opt for retirement.

In their previous encounter in Week 14 in Baltimore, Pittsburgh secured a 27-22 victory. Rodgers delivered a season-high performance, throwing for 284 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was instrumental in that win, hauling in seven passes for 148 yards. However, Metcalf will be unavailable for this crucial rematch, serving the final game of a two-game suspension imposed by the league following an incident involving a fan in Week 16. His absence will undoubtedly impact the Steelers’ offensive strategy and production against a formidable Ravens defense. The Ravens enter the game as 3.5-point favorites in the latest consensus NFL odds.

SportsLine’s projection model for the Ravens-Steelers matchup indicates a preference for the Over 41.5 total points (-110). This forecast is supported by recent offensive trends from both teams; the Steelers, despite a lower-scoring outing last week against the Cleveland Browns, had previously registered 27 or more points in three consecutive games. The Ravens have consistently found the end zone, scoring at least 22 points in four straight contests and nine of their last ten. Given the 49 combined points in their Week 14 meeting, the model’s simulations show the Over hitting in 62% of scenarios, suggesting a higher-scoring affair despite Metcalf’s absence. Additionally, SportsLine NFL props expert Daniel Vithlani, who boasts a strong record (+1236.5 on his last 187 NFL player prop picks), recommends betting on Ravens running back Derrick Henry to score an anytime touchdown (-130). Henry, a three-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader, has been in prolific form, finding the end zone six times over his last two contests, underscoring his potential impact in this pivotal game.

The National Basketball Association’s Sunday evening schedule features five games, highlighted by a Western Conference versus Eastern Conference matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-13) and the Washington Wizards (9-24) at 6 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Timberwolves, who have won two of the first three games on their current four-game road trip, aim to continue their strong season performance. Conversely, the Wizards have shown recent signs of resurgence, winning four of their last five contests, a notable improvement for a team otherwise struggling in the standings. The Timberwolves are currently positioned as 11.5-point favorites against the Wizards.

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The SportsLine projection model for the Timberwolves-Wizards game leans towards the Over 238.5 total points (-110). While the teams combined for only 229 points in their first meeting this season, the model factors in current team statistics and recent trends. The Wizards rank 25th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 113.4 points per game, but their defense has been a significant liability, placing 29th in the league by allowing 123.9 points per game. The Timberwolves, known for their offensive prowess, rank 10th in scoring with an average of 118.9 points per game. Considering these factors, the model’s simulations show the Over hitting in more than 55% of the time, suggesting a higher-scoring outcome than their previous encounter. Furthermore, SportsLine NBA expert Mike Barner backs Naz Reid to score Over 14.5 points (-111). Reid, a key contributor for Minnesota, recorded 28 points in his last meeting with Washington and has consistently been productive, scoring at least 15 points in 10 of his last 16 contests.

On the ice, the National Hockey League presents three evening games, including a Western Conference clash between the Vegas Golden Knights (17-11-11) and the Chicago Blackhawks (16-18-7) at 7 p.m. ET at the United Center. The Golden Knights arrive in Chicago attempting to halt a four-game skid, having gone 0-3-1 in their recent outings. In contrast, the Blackhawks are seeking their third consecutive victory, a streak not achieved since mid-November, indicating a recent upturn in form. The Golden Knights are listed as -272 favorites on the money line, reflecting their perceived strength despite recent struggles.

The SportsLine projection model for the Golden Knights-Blackhawks matchup provides an "A" grade play on the Blackhawks +1.5 (-115) on the puck line. Despite Vegas’s favored status, the model accounts for the Golden Knights’ recent winless streak and Chicago’s newfound momentum. Four of Chicago’s last five contests have been decided by a single goal, demonstrating their ability to keep games tight. The first meeting of the season between these two teams also concluded as a one-goal affair, with Vegas securing a 4-3 shootout victory at home. The model’s simulations show the Blackhawks covering the spread in 67% of scenarios, suggesting they are likely to keep this contest close, if not outright win.

The collegiate basketball schedule for Sunday evening includes a Big Ten Conference showdown between the Washington Huskies (9-4) and the Indiana Hoosiers (10-3) at 8 p.m. ET at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. Both teams enter the contest riding two-game winning streaks, looking to establish early conference momentum. Washington recently defeated Utah 74-65 last Monday, while Indiana rolled past Siena 81-60 in their last outing on December 22. Indiana enters the game as an 8.5-point favorite against Washington.

SportsLine’s projection model for the Washington-Indiana game favors the Indiana Hoosiers -8.5 (-107). The Huskies’ season has seen varied outcomes, with their first two losses by nine or more points, though their last two setbacks were by a combined total of six points. However, the Hoosiers have demonstrated a strong ability to win decisively at home, with nine of their ten victories this campaign coming by double-digit margins, and eight of those by 20 or more points. The model’s simulations predict another double-digit win for the Hoosiers, with them covering the spread in 59% of its simulations, underscoring Indiana’s dominance, particularly on their home court at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

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