Ravens-Steelers Thursday Night Selection: Vick starting is huge factor

Will Steelers tone down offensive playbook for Michael Vick?

The storylines are obvious when one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries continues Thursday night (8:25 p.m. ET, CBS, NFLN). The Ravens, who had aspirations of another Super Bowl coming into the season, are 0-3 for the first time in franchise history. The Steelers have won two in a row since losing the season-opener at New England, but will have to rely on Michael Vick with starting QB Ben Roethlisberger out 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL.

Line: Baltimore -2.5, Total: 44

Line movement: How big is the move from Roethlisberger to Vick? Pitt was a 3.5-point favorite when the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook posted this game a week in advance. After Sunday’s Week 3 action, the Ravens opened -2.5 at most Vegas books and have been bet to -3 (even) at some venues. The total has hovered around 44 and 44.5.

Get the free selection here on TheLinemakers.com, plus video with Micah Roberts and Kenny White discussing match-up.