The Steelers have a chance to win the AFC North for the first time in four years, and doing it in Baltimore would make it that much sweeter. Will they do it? Here is what our staff has to say about it.
In a Read &React column a few weeks back I predicted the Steelers would beat either the Eagles or Ravens, but not both. I’m standing by that prediction despite the numerous injuries that could keep several key players out. TJ Watt, who injured his ankle last week, is not among them. He is slated to play and as long as he’s truly healthy, that always gives the Steelers a chance. Steelers take it 24-22. – Ryan Parish
This game is giving me 2008 vibes. The Steelers went into Baltimore and played sloppy with 3-and-outs, pre-snap penalties and turnovers. But the defense kept it close enough for a fourth-quarter comeback ala Santonio Holmes’ goal-line lean. Or maybe this game is giving 2016 vibes, when points were prolific, but it still took an Immaculate Extension to win the game in the final moments. Another eight years have gone by, and the tradition will continue. The offense will start slow but have a chance in the fourth. This year’s miracle comeback moment will be supplied by Pat Freiermuth. Steelers 13-Ravens 12. – Kyle Chrise
Baltimore is a very good team. That being said, these games are always close and Pittsburgh matches up much better against the Ravens than they did against the Eagles a week ago. Injuries will make winning difficult, but I think Pittsburgh toughs it out on the road and takes the AFC North in an ugly game. Steelers win, 17-13. – Ryland Bickley
Last week’s loss to the Eagles exposed some warts in the Steelers secondary that make me nervous heading into this contest against Lamar Jackson. Yes, the Steelers have always contained him, but they’ve only faced him once at home – and that was without a crowd during the Covid year. Jackson continues to hang around in the MVP race, as he’s tossed 34 TDs to just 3 INT’s. The emergence of WR Rashod Bateman is significant, catching four TDs in his last four games (he is questionable, however).There has been no emergence from a Steelers wideout. Without George Pickens, they simply won’t be able to keep up with the Ravens. Russell Wilson is working with a completely bare cupboard, and outside of a few splash plays from Calvin Austin III, there hasn’t been much to inspire optimism from Mike Williams or Van Jefferson. Ravens exorcise some demons and win 24-17. – Mike Nicastro
In a game that could very well decide the division, Mike Tomlin & Co. are all very much aware of what’s on the line — especially without several key playmakers. Still, given the nature of these Tomlin-Harbaugh showdowns historically, it wouldn’t surprise me if it came down to a field goal…. and there’s one kicker I trust substantially more than the other at this point. His name is Chris Boswell. Steelers 20-Ravens 17. – Kate Magdziuk
The next good game Lamar Jackson plays against the Steelers will be the first. Until the Ravens show they can beat the Steelers, I’m not going to pick them to do so, no matter if Pickens is out or not – they’ve won with worse teams. It’ll be an ugly, low-scoring rock fight that the Steelers will win. Steelers 19, Ravens 15. – Jarrett Bailey
