Ravens vs. Steelers: A Classic AFC North Clash with the Division on the Line
The AFC North is coming down to the wire, and this Sunday, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a matchup that feels like vintage AFC North football - gritty, physical, and with the division lead hanging in the balance.
Both teams enter the game at 6-6, locked in a tie atop the division standings. With the Bengals and Browns fading fast, this is shaping up to be a two-team race, and Sunday’s showdown could be the turning point.
Lamar Jackson’s Struggles - But Don’t Be Fooled
Lamar Jackson hasn’t looked like himself lately. Over his last three games, the former MVP hasn’t thrown a single touchdown, has been picked off three times, and has lost two fumbles. That kind of stretch would raise alarms for any quarterback, but especially for someone who’s long been the heartbeat of Baltimore’s offense.
Still, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt isn’t buying into the idea that Jackson is anything less than dangerous.
“I’m approaching him - we’re approaching him - like he’s the Lamar we’ve always known,” Watt said Friday. “He’s got a dynamic runner next to him, dynamic playmakers.
They have a stout offensive line. So, a lot of weapons.”
Watt’s respect is warranted. Even when Jackson isn’t lighting up the stat sheet, his dual-threat ability forces defenses to stay honest. And with Baltimore’s offensive line and skill players capable of flipping a game on one play, the Steelers know better than to let their guard down.
Ravens Offense Searching for Rhythm
Baltimore’s recent offensive struggles haven’t gone unnoticed. The Ravens managed to squeak out wins against the Browns and Jets, but those victories masked some deeper issues. Last week, those problems were laid bare in a lopsided Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals.
The timing couldn’t be worse for a team trying to find its identity down the stretch. The Ravens have the pieces - a strong line, explosive backs, and a quarterback who’s proven he can carry a team - but putting it all together has been a challenge.
Steelers Offense Facing Its Own Questions
If the Ravens are trying to get back on track, the Steelers are just trying to stop the bleeding. After a 4-1 start, Pittsburgh has dropped five of its last seven. The offense has sputtered, and the numbers tell the story: Aaron Rodgers has thrown for just 223 yards combined over the last two games.
That lack of production has put the Steelers under the microscope, especially after a tough loss to the Bills last week. The defense has done its part to keep Pittsburgh in games, but without more from the offense, it’s been an uphill battle.
A Throwback Matchup with Everything on the Line
Steelers OLB TJ Watt says despite the injuries and recent lowered production, he is preparing for the Same Old (MVP-level) Lamar pic.twitter.com/WazkwekiAQ
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 5, 2025
This is the kind of game that defines the Ravens-Steelers rivalry - physical, low-scoring, and full of playoff implications. It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about survival in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
Both teams are flawed. Both are desperate. And both know what’s at stake.
So don’t expect fireworks. Expect fists in the trenches, third-and-longs that feel like fourth downs, and a game that might come down to a single turnover or a big special teams play.
It’s December football in the AFC North - and it doesn’t get much better than that.