The AFC North is living up to its billing as one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, and Sunday’s showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is shaping up to be a pivotal one. Both teams sit at 6-6, locked in a tie atop the division standings, and with just five weeks left in the regular season, every game from here on out carries serious playoff weight. This will be the first meeting between the rivals this year, with the rematch scheduled for Week 18 - but don't be surprised if this one sets the tone for the rest of the race.
The biggest storyline heading into Sunday? All eyes are on Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens’ dynamic quarterback missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle issue, raising some eyebrows across the league. But head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Friday that Jackson is good to go and will start against Pittsburgh. That’s a major sigh of relief for Baltimore, which is trying to steady itself after an up-and-down stretch.
Jackson, a two-time MVP and four-time Pro Bowler, has been battling through a tough season physically. He missed three games earlier in the year and hasn't quite looked like his usual electric self since returning in Week 9.
Over his last four games, he’s completed just 55.9% of his passes for 768 yards, with only one touchdown against three interceptions. That’s a far cry from the efficient, explosive play we’ve come to expect from No.
What’s been even more uncharacteristic is his impact - or lack thereof - in the run game. Jackson has just 84 rushing yards on 26 carries over that four-game span, without a touchdown.
He’s also fumbled four times, losing two of them. For a player whose legs have been a cheat code since he entered the league, that drop-off is significant.
His most recent outing, a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Bengals, was arguably his toughest of the season. Jackson went 17-of-32 for 246 yards, didn’t throw a touchdown, and tossed one interception. He also lost two fumbles - the kind of mistakes that can swing a game, especially in a tight divisional battle.
The Ravens need more from their franchise quarterback, and they need it now. With the Steelers coming to town and the division on the line, this is the kind of moment where stars are supposed to shine.
Pittsburgh, for its part, knows how to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks - especially in these rivalry games. This matchup has long been defined by physicality, defense, and razor-thin margins.
If Jackson can rediscover some of his early-season form, Baltimore has the weapons and the defense to make a run. But if his struggles continue, the door is wide open for the Steelers to take control of the division.
Sunday’s clash at M&T Bank Stadium isn’t just another game - it’s a measuring stick. For Lamar Jackson, it’s a chance to quiet the noise and reassert himself as one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers.
For the Ravens and Steelers, it’s the start of what could be a two-part battle for the AFC North crown. Buckle up.