The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 with both teams at 6-6, but national media picks heavily favor Baltimore. Pundits highlight the Ravens' rushing attack led by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson as a key advantage over Pittsburgh's struggling run defense. T.J. Watt emphasized the need for defensive improvements ahead of the Sunday visit to Baltimore.
Heading into Week 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens both sit at 6-6 in the AFC North, a division with no team boasting a positive point differential. The matchup carries weight for playoff hopes, as a Steelers loss would mark their first three-game losing streak against the Ravens since a four-game skid spanning 2015-2016, and their eighth straight season with a three-game losing streak overall.
National media predictions tilt strongly toward Baltimore. Of 18 analysts surveyed, 14 picked the Ravens, including Grant Gordon (Ravens 24-20), Nate Davis (23-20), and Pete Prisco (27-14). Four favored Pittsburgh, such as Marcus Grant (Steelers 23-21) and Jarrett Bell (23-20), who also picked them last week against Buffalo. USA Today's Bell remains optimistic about the Steelers despite recent struggles.
Pittsburgh's defense is under scrutiny after surrendering 249 rushing yards in a 26-7 loss to the Bills, who lead the NFL with 1,868 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry. The Ravens rank fifth in rushing (1,641 yards) with the same 5.0 yards per carry and one more 20-plus yard run (12) than Buffalo. T.J. Watt addressed the issue, stating, “We need to play better. We need to be able to make plays when they do it. Can’t just keep doing the same thing, expect different results.” The Steelers missed 14 tackles against Buffalo and shut down the Colts for just 55 rushing yards in Week 9, but face challenges without Derrick Harmon.
Baltimore's offense has sputtered, with Lamar Jackson throwing no touchdown passes in three straight games and completing 17-of-32 for an interception against Cincinnati. However, ESPN's Louis Riddick expects a turnaround: “I just get the feeling that look, Lamar at some point in time, has to start to catch fire... I expect them to kinda catch their groove to some degree.” Derrick Henry has 931 rushing yards (seventh in the NFL) and 10-plus scrimmage touchdowns in at least eight consecutive seasons.
Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison challenged Pittsburgh's unit, predicting Henry will rush for 150 yards: “Stand up, drop your nuts. I feel like it’s going to happen.” The Steelers have limited Henry before, holding him to 65 and 75 yards in prior games, but his playoff performance last year (186 yards, two touchdowns) lingers as a concern. Both teams avoid shutouts with long streaks—Pittsburgh since 2006 against the Ravens, Baltimore since 2002.
