The Ravens’ AFC North showdown with Pittsburgh has one major advantage that could swing the game in Baltimore’s favor
Which unit from either team do you trust most in this pivotal AFC North showdown?
First place is on the line in the AFC North when the Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. It’s always a slugfest with these two locking horns and Sunday’s matchup should be no exception. Neither team sits where they want at 6-6, but a chance to seize a game lead in December could be a valued consolation prize down as both teams embark on a 5-game season.
In advance of this first-place matchup between AFC North heavyweights, I grilled Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Pittsburgh to get a feel for where it’s gone wrong as of late, the likelihood of Baltimore drawing gamewrecker TJ Watt, and a final score prediction.
What’s the biggest difference from the 4-1 Steelers to start vs. the 2-5 Steelers since?
“The offense has totally unraveled in Pittsburgh. After showing life earlier in the season, the run game is ineffective outside of jumbo personnel, and the passing game looks like pop warner in terms of route depth half the time. Oh, and the defense, despite allocating a ton of resources to mitigate teams from running the ball on them, they just let the Bills set a new record in their home stadium after going for nearly 250 on the ground.” – Gregson
Baltimore’s defense has been the heartbeat of their turnaround. So catching “Pop Warner” Steelers passing schemes could be the one major advantage that Ravens need to come out on top.
With Lamar Jackson’s recent struggles, how likely is TJ Watt to wreck the gameplan?
“I would love to say that Watt is playing at his game wrecking level, and he certainly has some moments that warrant his $41m per year price tag, but he’s seen a decline this year. Not as much as some in the media make it out to be, but his first step isn’t as explosive and he’s getting targeted in the run game now.” – Gregson
Final Score Prediction
“I have to believe the streak stops here and Mike Tomlin digs deep to find a way to stop Lamar and the Ravens. Pittsburgh has historically given the star QB fits, and we know you can throw everything out of the window when these two matchup. Give me Pittsburgh in an ugly one.”
Pittsburgh: 18 — Baltimore: 15” – Gregson
Last 5 head-to-head matchups with Baltimore Ravens & Pittsburgh Steelers
- Baltimore: 28 — Pittsburgh: 14 *2024 Wild Card Round
- Baltimore: 16 — Pittsburgh: 18
- Baltimore: 34 — Pittsburgh: 17
- Baltimore: 10 — Pittsburgh: 17
- Baltimore: 10 — Pittsburgh: 17
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