The AFC North is coming down to the wire, and Sunday’s showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is shaping up to be one of the most important games of the season. First place in the division is on the line, and with the playoffs looming, this one carries serious weight.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET in Baltimore, and most of the country will be tuned in on CBS, with Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson on the call.
But the big question heading into the weekend? Lamar Jackson’s status.
The Ravens’ star quarterback sat out Thursday’s practice, raising eyebrows just days before this critical matchup. He was on the field Wednesday - a notable development, considering it was his first time practicing at the start of the week since early November. Still, he was listed as a limited participant and didn’t speak to reporters afterward, as he was receiving treatment.
Jackson’s availability could swing the balance of this game. When he’s under center, the Ravens’ offense operates on a different level - dynamic, unpredictable, and dangerous both through the air and on the ground. Without him, Baltimore has to adjust in a big way, leaning more heavily on their run game, defense, and whoever steps in at quarterback.
This isn’t just a rivalry game. It’s a battle for control of the division, with both teams scheduled to meet again in the season finale. That makes Sunday’s clash even more intriguing - it’s not just about who wins this round, but who sets the tone for what could be a winner-take-all rematch down the line.
With the Steelers surging and the Ravens trying to hold their ground atop the AFC North, all eyes will be on Baltimore this Sunday. And whether or not Lamar Jackson is in uniform could tell us a lot about how this high-stakes race will play out.