Final predictions for Saturday's massive AFC North matchup between Ravens and Steelers
Saturday NFL football is back on our television tomorrow as a monumental AFC North meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) and Baltimore Ravens (9-5) goes down at 4:30pm ET inside M&T Bank Stadium. Pittsburgh still maintains a one-game lead over Baltimore for the AFC North and can clinch the division with a win. The Ravens are […]
Saturday NFL football is back on our television tomorrow as a monumental AFC North meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) and Baltimore Ravens (9-5) goes down at 4:30pm ET inside M&T Bank Stadium.
Pittsburgh still maintains a one-game lead over Baltimore for the AFC North and can clinch the division with a win. The Ravens are the only threat to deny the crown for the Steelers. This game is critical no matter your rooting interest.
Will the Ravens' keep their quest alive to repeat as AFC North champions, or will the Steelers complete the season sweep and take the title? I asked A to Z Sports' AFC North beat writers to see how they think the game will unfold.
Ravens 22, Steelers 15
The Steelers have a shot to wrap up the division and set their sights on a home playoff game with a win in Baltimore this weekend, but that’s unlikely to happen. The Ravens are very heavy favorites given the typical point spread of these matchups. Why? Because the Steelers are going to be either playing hurt, or severely depleted. T.J. Watt has a good chance to go, but it won’t be easy coming off a sprained ankle just days ago. George Pickens faces an uphill battle to play, and rushing him back early could end up costing Pittsburgh in the long run. Pair that with a Ravens team looking to rebound off their early season loss, and it’s hard to bet against the home team in this setting and degree of circumstances. – A to Z Sports' Rob Gregson
Ravens 20, Steelers 16
Give me the Ravens here in another gritty, hard-nosed AFC North rivalry matchup. I think the injuries for Pittsburgh are just a bit too much, especially if Pickens cannot go. Pittsburgh has struggled to find another WR option with him out, and that’s hindered the efficiency of their rushing attack as well recently. I still think Russell Wilson is playing good ball, but the ceiling is limited with his options in the passing game. Expect a close game as per usual here, but Lamar Jackson makes a couple plays in the fourth to give his team the edge. A solid performance against a great Steelers defense could boost Jackson's MVP stock, but barring a complete avalanche from Josh Allen over the final few weeks, the face of the Buffalo Bills has it locked up. – A to Z Sports' Adam Holt
Ravens 24, Steelers 17
The Ravens need this one to keep their hopes alive for the division. After losing a close one at home to the Steelers this season, Baltimore is now tasked with going and getting one on the road. Jackson is coming off of a tremendous game against the New York Giants and I think he does enough in this one to grab the win. Baltimore must take care of the ball this time, unlike what happened in mid-November. For the dramatics of the division, Baltimore just has to have this one. – A to Z Sports' Brandon Little
Steelers 22, Ravens 21
Any time I get the chance to predict a Steelers win, I typically do just that. I understand Pickens isn't playing and that the game isn't in Acrisure Stadium. Does anyone else understand that the sportsbooks are making Mike Tomlin's team a 6.5-point underdog? I just saw Pittsburgh manhandle the Cincinnati Bengals as a three-point dog not three weeks ago. I've seen enough Steelers games to know when to expect Lucifer's magic to appear. – A to Z Sports' John Sheeran
Steelers set to receive a Christmas miracle just days after heart dropping injury to T.J. Watt
It’s on to the game now.
