Steelers vs. Ravens: A Clash for AFC North Control with Playoff Stakes on the Line
Both the Steelers and Ravens roll into Sunday’s showdown sitting at 6-6, locked in a dead heat in the AFC North and staring down a crowded wild-card race that’s getting tighter by the week. The reality?
The cleanest path to the playoffs for either team runs through a division title. That means this game isn’t just another chapter in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries-it’s a potential turning point in the postseason race.
This one’s not about style points. It’s about who can expose the other’s flaws and impose their will. Let’s break down where each team holds the upper hand heading into this high-stakes divisional battle.
Where the Steelers Have the Edge
1. Pressure Without the Blitz
Pittsburgh’s pass rush has quietly been one of the most efficient in the league-and they’re doing it without bringing the house. The Steelers are near the top of the NFL when it comes to generating pressure with just four rushers, and that’s a big deal against a quarterback like Lamar Jackson.
Why? Because Jackson thrives when defenses blitz and create running lanes.
But when the pocket collapses without a blitz, the escape routes shrink, and Jackson’s efficiency takes a hit-especially on long-yardage downs. If the Steelers can get home with four and keep Jackson bottled up, they’ve got a real shot at controlling the tempo.
2. Red-Zone Fortitude
Pittsburgh’s defense has been a bend-don’t-break unit all season, and nowhere is that more evident than inside the 20. The Steelers consistently force opponents to settle for field goals, and that’s a critical edge in a game likely to be decided by a handful of high-leverage possessions.
Baltimore, for all its offensive talent, has struggled to punch it in once they get close. That mismatch could loom large in a tight, physical contest.
3. Containing the Running Backs
While Jackson is the engine of Baltimore’s offense, the Ravens’ ground game can’t be overlooked-especially with a physical back like Derrick Henry in the mix. But here’s the rub: Pittsburgh’s run defense has been shaky, as evidenced by the 249 rushing yards they gave up to Buffalo last week.
The Steelers have to clean that up. If they can limit Henry’s impact and force Baltimore to lean even more on Jackson, they increase the physical toll on the quarterback and put themselves in a better position to win the war of attrition.
Where the Ravens Hold the Cards
1. Lamar Jackson vs. Zone Coverage
This is the matchup that could decide the game. Pittsburgh’s defense leans heavily on zone-match principles, and that’s exactly the kind of scheme Jackson loves to dissect. His ability to extend plays and create chaos on broken downs puts enormous stress on defenders trying to stick to their assignments.
Even if Jackson isn’t ripping off 30-yard scrambles, his ability to pick up five or six yards on the ground keeps the Ravens ahead of schedule-and that’s a nightmare for a defense that thrives on forcing third-and-longs.
2. Interior Defensive Line vs. Steelers’ O-Line
Baltimore’s defensive front has been a problem for opposing offenses all season, especially on early downs. The interior pressure they generate disrupts timing, shrinks the playbook, and forces quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations.
For a Steelers offense that’s struggled to string together consistent drives, that kind of disruption could be a game-changer. If Baltimore can win the line of scrimmage early, they’ll put Pittsburgh behind the sticks-and that’s exactly where the Ravens want them.
3. Secondary vs. Explosive Plays
Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to generate chunk plays through the air, and Baltimore’s secondary is built to keep it that way. The Ravens’ defensive backs are excellent at closing passing windows and taking away the deep ball, which forces offenses to be methodical-and mistake-free.
That’s a tough ask for a Steelers offense that’s still searching for rhythm. If Pittsburgh can’t find a spark-whether it’s a big play or a couple of sustained drives-players like Kyle Hamilton could tilt the field with a timely turnover or key stop.
4. Aggressive Game Management
Baltimore doesn’t shy away from calculated risks. The Ravens are among the league leaders in fourth-down attempts in short-yardage spots, and that aggression can flip a game. Whether it’s stealing a possession, extending a drive, or shifting momentum, those decisions add up-especially against a Steelers team that prefers to play it safe and lean on field position.
If the Ravens can control the math and tempo, they’ll put Pittsburgh in a spot where one or two missed chances could be the difference.
The Game Within the Game
This matchup is a study in contrasts.
Pittsburgh wants to grind. They want a low-possession slugfest where their defense bends but doesn’t break, and a few red-zone stops tip the scales.
Baltimore wants to dictate the pace, win early downs, and let Lamar Jackson take over in the game’s biggest moments.
Whichever team succeeds in shaping the game to fit their identity will likely walk away with more than just a win-they’ll have a leg up in the race for the AFC North crown.