The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, both at 6-6, meet Sunday in Baltimore for control of the AFC North division lead. This marks their first matchup of the 2025 season, with the Ravens coming off a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh seeks its seventh win amid offensive struggles and defensive run issues.
The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Baltimore for a crucial Week 14 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET. Both teams enter with 6-6 records, making the outcome pivotal for the AFC North standings due to tiebreakers. A Steelers victory would give them the division lead and boost their playoff hopes.
Key challenges for Pittsburgh include containing Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who has 931 rushing yards this season and previously dominated them with 162 yards in Week 16 of 2024 and 186 in the playoffs. The Steelers' run defense faltered last week, allowing Buffalo 249 yards on the ground. In their last four wins, Pittsburgh held opponents under 105 rushing yards, a benchmark they must meet here.
Offensively, the Steelers have struggled for rhythm under coordinator Arthur Smith, scoring just seven points in the first quarter of recent games. Suggestions include involving tight end Pat Freiermuth, wide receivers Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin, and leveraging the Ravens' defense, which ranks tied for seventh in allowing passes over 20 yards.
Baltimore's tight ends pose another threat: Mark Andrews leads with five touchdown receptions on 37 catches for 332 yards, while Isaiah Likely had five receptions for 95 yards last week. In past matchups, the pair combined for significant production against Pittsburgh. Former NFL safety T.J. Ward predicts a Ravens win, 27-16, citing Henry's potential for two touchdowns and tight end dominance, while noting Steelers' issues covering the position, like allowing 143 yards to Green Bay's Tucker Kraft in Week 8.
Third-down efficiency could decide the game, with both offenses below 40% conversion rates. Lamar Jackson, dealing with an ankle injury, has won just two of six career starts against Pittsburgh but leads Baltimore to four wins in their last five.
Personnel moves include the Ravens elevating safety Sanoussi Kane and nose tackle Josh Tupou from practice squad, with Tupou facing Pittsburgh eight times previously. The Steelers elevated wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and offensive tackle Dylan Cook, while new addition Adam Thielen travels but may not play. Linebackers like Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen, and Malik Harrison must improve run fits to counter Henry and Jackson's mobility.
