The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens in a decisive Week 18 matchup on Sunday night, with the AFC North title and a playoff berth on the line. Team MVP Kenneth Gainwell aims for a bigger role alongside Jaylen Warren, targeting 100-yard performances each. Injuries and quarterback uncertainties add intrigue to the high-stakes contest.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium, the stakes could not be higher: a win secures the AFC North crown and a playoff spot, while a loss ends their season. The game, set for January 4, 2026, pits Aaron Rodgers against Lamar Jackson, with both quarterbacks confirmed to play despite recent injury concerns for Jackson.
Running back Kenneth Gainwell, voted the Steelers' 2025 MVP, emerges as a focal point. On a one-year deal, Gainwell has tallied 527 rushing yards and 422 receiving yards, leading the team with 65 catches. Former Steelers safety Rod Woodson advocated centering the offense around him, noting Gainwell's versatility with 113 routes run from the backfield. "I think the offense... is really gonna run through [Gainwell]," Woodson said on The Snap Count podcast. Gainwell, facing free agency in March, expressed a desire to stay: "This experience has been amazing to me. It’s definitely something I would love to experience again."
Gainwell and fellow back Jaylen Warren set an ambitious goal: each surpassing 100 scrimmage yards, a feat they achieved in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions—the first such duo for Pittsburgh since 2014. Their earlier Week 14 meeting with Baltimore yielded just 34 rushing yards total, but the Ravens' 29th-ranked pass defense offers opportunities, especially with wide receiver DK Metcalf sidelined by injury.
Defensively, the Steelers must contain Ravens running back Derrick Henry, a major threat in recent matchups. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt's status remains uncertain due to a lung issue, though guard Isaac Seumalo could return from a triceps injury. Coordinators Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin emphasized preparation in recent pressers, hinting at potential wrinkles like seven-offensive-linemen sets or dual-back alignments.
A loss could ripple into the offseason, with insiders speculating on Mike Tomlin's future and Rodgers' potential return. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler predicted a prolonged decision process for Rodgers, who has built chemistry with Tomlin. Beat writer Mark Kaboly suggested owner Art Rooney II might decline Tomlin's 2027 option for accountability if the Steelers falter, though he expects Tomlin to stay.
The Ravens, rested after securing their playoff position, aim to spoil Pittsburgh's hopes in this rivalry clash.
