The Ravens and Steelers are no strangers to December drama, but this year’s clash carries a different kind of tension. Both teams are staggering into Week 14 with matching 6-6 records, and for the first time since 1999, neither is above .500 heading into a December meeting. Still, despite the bruises, this game has major playoff implications - maybe the biggest stakes either team has faced all season.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: both squads are coming off performances they’d rather forget. Baltimore’s five-turnover meltdown at home against Cincinnati was a gut punch.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh gave up a staggering 249 rushing yards - the most ever allowed at their home stadium - and got shut out in the second half of a 26-7 loss to Buffalo. Things got so tense at Acrisure Stadium that the crowd even booed the playing of “Renegade,” a Steelers tradition, and chants for Mike Tomlin’s job rang out late in the game.
That’s not something you hear every Sunday in Pittsburgh.
But here we are: two rivals, one game, sole possession of first place in the AFC North on the line. It’s messy, it’s gritty - and it’s exactly the kind of game that defines December football.
Lamar Jackson at a Crossroads
For Baltimore to get back on track and make a real playoff push, it starts - and ends - with Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP has battled injuries all season, but the last three games have raised real concerns. No touchdowns, five turnovers, a 55% completion rate, and three straight games with a QBR under 40 - a stretch of play we haven’t seen from Jackson since his rookie year.
Jackson has set a sky-high bar for himself, and even his teammates are acknowledging the slump. After the loss to the Bengals, safety Kyle Hamilton put it in perspective: “Even LeBron James has a bad game from time to time.”
Fair enough. But for the Ravens to win the division - let alone make a run in January - they need Lamar to get back to being Lamar.
Head coach John Harbaugh didn’t mince words when assessing the offensive struggles.
“It was not a precise offensive performance in any way. There was nothing precise about it.
It was imprecise in every way, and we all know that,” Harbaugh said. “You have to move on and come out swinging the next time.”
The good news? This team has already shown it can bounce back.
After a 1-5 start, the Ravens got healthier and rattled off five straight wins post-bye. Sure, the schedule was soft and the wins weren’t always pretty, but they clawed their way back into the race.
And now, they’ve got a shot to take control of the division - if they can find their rhythm again.
A Familiar Foe, a Fresh Opportunity
Baltimore handled Pittsburgh convincingly in both meetings last December and January, which should give the Ravens some confidence heading into this one. But this isn’t about what happened last year. The Steelers are reeling, but they’re also desperate - and nothing fuels desperation like the chance to knock off a rival and reclaim first place in the division.
This game will likely come down to which team can clean up its mistakes and rediscover its identity. For Baltimore, that means getting back to efficient, explosive offense and playing clean football. For Pittsburgh, it means finding answers in the run defense and giving their offense a chance to stay in the game.
Injury Watch: Key Pieces in Question
The Ravens are keeping a close eye on several key players this week, starting with rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins. The first-round pick left Thursday’s game with a foot injury and is considered “day to day,” per Harbaugh.
While Pittsburgh’s passing game hasn’t exactly been lighting it up, Baltimore would love to have Wiggins healthy for the stretch run. If he can’t go, veteran Chidobe Awuzie is expected to step in opposite Marlon Humphrey.
There’s better news on the edge, where outside linebacker Tavius Robinson could return to practice after missing two months with a foot fracture. Safety Ar’Darius Washington, who’s been sidelined since May with a torn Achilles, is also expected to return to practice, though his ramp-up will likely take longer.
Running back Justice Hill, placed on injured reserve last week with a neck injury, could still return later this season after serving the minimum four-game absence. Unfortunately, linebacker Chandler Martin won’t be so lucky - the undrafted rookie tore his ACL on the opening kickoff against Cincinnati and is out for the year.
O-Line Rotation: Emery Jones Makes His Debut
One of the more intriguing developments from Thursday’s loss was the NFL debut of rookie third-round pick Emery Jones. After missing the offseason and early part of the year recovering from shoulder surgery, Jones rotated in at left guard, logging 16 snaps alongside starter Andrew Vorhees.
Jones showed some flashes - and some rookie mistakes. He drew a holding call in the third quarter, but Harbaugh liked the energy.
“He played hard and showed some athleticism and some fight and some gusto,” Harbaugh said. “He played like a rookie in a lot of ways… But you can’t really start making those improvements until you play.”
As for whether Jones could see time at right guard, Harbaugh was hesitant, noting that switching sides would “compound” the learning curve. That’s a tough ask for any lineman, especially one who’s missed as much time as Jones. For now, it sounds like the Ravens will keep him focused on the left side.
Both Vorhees and right guard Daniel Faalele graded out well against Cincinnati, so the Ravens may continue to rotate Jones in slowly as he gets up to speed.
Rasheen Ali Steps Up
With Justice Hill sidelined, second-year back Rasheen Ali stepped into the third-down role and logged a career-high 29 offensive snaps. He carried the ball four times for 17 yards and held his own in pass protection - a key requirement for any back in that role.
“He played really well,” Harbaugh said. “He pass protected well.
He ran his routes well. He chipped well… He had one run where I thought he was tentative… but he played well.”
Ali’s emergence is a bright spot in a backfield that’s been hit hard by injuries, and he could continue to see meaningful snaps as the Ravens look for stability in their offensive rhythm.
The Bottom Line
Sunday’s Ravens-Steelers game isn’t just another chapter in a storied rivalry - it’s a turning point for both teams. Win, and you’re in the driver’s seat in the AFC North. Lose, and you’re staring down a losing record with just four games to go.
Baltimore’s path forward starts with Lamar Jackson rediscovering his MVP form, the offensive line settling in, and the defense continuing to hold the line. The Ravens have been here before - and they’ve climbed out of deeper holes. But if they want to play meaningful football in January, it all starts this Sunday in Pittsburgh.