Ravens, Steelers collide in winner-takes-all AFC North showdown on SNF

The Ravens and Steelers face off in a crucial AFC North showdown on Sunday Night Football, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.

Why it matters: Both teams are vying for the AFC North title, making this matchup not only pivotal for playoff seeding but also for the longstanding rivalry between two historic franchises.

• The winner will secure the division crown and the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, setting the stage for a potential postseason run.
• With both teams sporting similar records—Baltimore at 8-8 and Pittsburgh at 9-7—the stakes could not be higher.

What’s new: The game marks a dramatic turnaround for the Steelers, who missed an opportunity to clinch the AFC North after their loss to the Browns last week.

• Cam Heyward, a key defensive player for the Steelers, expressed the urgency of the moment: "The competitor in me is saying, 'We lost this game. We lost a chance to clinch today.' But it's also like, 'Bring it on. Baltimore is coming in. Winner takes all. Let's win it at home.'"

Yes, but: The outcome may hinge on the status of Lamar Jackson, whose back injury leaves his availability uncertain.

• Jackson's ability to extend plays and create opportunities for his team is critical, especially against a tough Steelers defense that thrives on pressuring quarterbacks.
• If he cannot play, backup Tyler Huntley may need to step up significantly to keep Baltimore competitive.

What to watch: The absence of DK Metcalf due to suspension for the Steelers adds another layer of complexity to their offensive strategy.

• Without Metcalf, the Steelers will rely heavily on other targets, which could shift their offensive approach from deep passes to more intermediate routes.
• This change may allow the Ravens to focus their defensive efforts on containing the run game and minimizing the damage from other wide receivers.

By the numbers: The last encounter between these two teams resulted in a narrow victory for Pittsburgh, who won 27-22 on December 7.

• Historically, matchups between these two teams are fiercely contested, often decided by a single score or critical turnover.
• This season, both defenses rank among the top ten in the league, suggesting fans should expect a hard-fought battle.

The bottom line: As both teams gear up for this decisive clash, expect a game characterized by physicality, strategic depth, and high stakes.

• With playoff spots and bragging rights on the line, the intensity will be palpable, making for an unforgettable evening of football.