Steelers vs. Ravens: Five Matchups That Could Decide a Must-Win AFC North Clash
The AFC North doesn’t do casual. And when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens meet, especially with both sitting at 6-6 and chasing a playoff spot, it’s rarely just another game. Sunday’s showdown at M&T Bank Stadium has major implications - not just for the standings, but for the identity of two franchises trying to stay afloat in a crowded AFC.
Injuries have clouded both quarterback rooms, but the stakes couldn’t be clearer. This is a must-win game for both teams, and these five matchups will go a long way in determining who walks away with the upper hand.
1. Rodgers, Rudolph vs. Jackson, Huntley: Veteran QBs on Thin Ice
Yes, the injury reports have been murky, but the expectation is that Aaron Rodgers will line up under center for Pittsburgh, while Lamar Jackson leads Baltimore’s offense. Neither quarterback is at 100%, but both are still the best options their teams have - and both are capable of taking over a game, even at less than full strength.
That said, don’t be surprised if Mason Rudolph or Tyler Huntley are called into action. Both teams are likely to keep their backups on high alert. One awkward landing or a big hit could change the complexion of this game in an instant.
It’s worth noting that despite their long careers, Rodgers and Jackson have never faced each other. If they both suit up, we’re in for a rare quarterback duel - one that could hinge not just on big throws, but on who can stay upright the longest.
2. Steelers’ Interior O-Line vs. Ravens’ A-Gap Pressure: A Chess Match in the Trenches
Pittsburgh’s interior offensive line has had its ups and downs this season, and they’re about to face one of their toughest tests. Baltimore’s defense thrives on chaos - walking linebackers up to the line, showing six-man fronts, then sending pressure from unexpected spots. Roquan Smith, in particular, has a knack for timing his blitzes to perfection.
The key for Pittsburgh? Keep the pocket clean.
Rodgers (or Rudolph) needs time to operate, and interior pressure is the fastest way to throw the whole offense off rhythm. That puts the spotlight on rookie center Zach Frazier and guards like Mason McCormick to not only hold their ground physically but also communicate effectively when the Ravens start disguising their looks.
If the Steelers can avoid early breakdowns and keep the middle of the pocket from collapsing, they’ll give their quarterback a fighting chance. If not, it could be a long afternoon in Baltimore.
3. Jaylen Warren & Kenneth Gainwell vs. Ravens’ Second Level: The X-Factor Duo
Jaylen Warren is quietly becoming the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s offense. He’s not just a change-of-pace back - he’s a tone-setter. Whether it’s breaking tackles on early-down runs or turning a screen pass into a first down, Warren gives the Steelers flexibility and tempo.
And then there’s Kenneth Gainwell, who brings his own brand of explosiveness. He’s a different kind of weapon - one who can hit the edge and force defenses to adjust their angles.
Baltimore’s linebackers and safeties will have their hands full trying to contain this duo. If Warren and Gainwell can consistently churn out four- or five-yard gains, Pittsburgh can stay out of third-and-longs and keep the Ravens’ pass rush from pinning its ears back. Even more importantly, it could force Baltimore to bring extra defenders into the box, opening up play-action opportunities.
Warren needs to be more than a complementary piece. He needs to be featured.
And Gainwell? Let him loose on the perimeter and see what happens.
**4. T.J.
Watt and the Steelers’ EDGE Unit vs. Lamar Jackson: Contain or Be Burned**
This is the matchup that could tilt the game. T.J.
Watt has been the engine of Pittsburgh’s defense for years, but when it comes to Lamar Jackson, sacks aren’t the only stat that matters. It’s about how you rush him.
Jackson thrives on broken plays. When edge rushers get too aggressive and fly past him, he turns those lanes into highways - and that’s when the highlight reels start rolling. Watt and company need to rush with discipline, not just violence.
That’s where Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith enter the picture. Pittsburgh has been creative with its EDGE rotation, and it’s paying off. But they’ll need to stay in their lanes, collapse the pocket from the inside out, and keep Jackson boxed in.
If they can do that, they’ll force Baltimore to play a more structured, less explosive brand of offense. If not, Jackson could turn a third-and-12 into a backbreaker.
5. Steelers’ Secondary vs. Mark Andrews and the Middle of the Field
When Lamar Jackson needs a play, he looks for Mark Andrews. That’s been the formula for years, and it’s not changing anytime soon. Andrews has tormented Pittsburgh’s defense by finding soft spots in zone coverage and winning matchups against linebackers in the red zone.
The Steelers’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries, and the linebacker corps has been shuffled more times than a deck of cards. That’s left the middle of the field vulnerable - and Baltimore knows it.
Pittsburgh has to treat Andrews like a true No. 1 receiving threat. That means bracketing him on third downs, rerouting him at the line, and making sure he doesn’t get a free release up the seam. It also means staying tight in coverage even after the play breaks down - Jackson is notorious for extending plays, and Andrews is just as dangerous on second reaction routes.
If Pittsburgh can limit Andrews’ impact - especially between the hashes and in the red zone - they’ll take away Jackson’s safety valve and give their pass rush more time to get home.
Bottom Line
This is classic AFC North football: physical, high-stakes, and personal. Both teams are fighting for relevance in a playoff race that’s getting tighter by the week. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the outcome could come down to a handful of matchups - in the trenches, in the backfield, and in the middle of the field.
The Ravens want to assert dominance at home. The Steelers want to prove they’re still in the fight. Come Sunday, someone’s playoff hopes are going to take a serious hit - and someone’s season is going to get a jolt of life.