The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night in a winner-take-all battle for the AFC North title and the final AFC playoff spot. Both teams enter with injury concerns, including the Steelers missing wide receiver DK Metcalf due to suspension and tight end Darnell Washington with a broken arm. Analysts highlight the Ravens' rushing advantage led by Derrick Henry as a key factor.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) will face the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) in Week 18 at Acrisure Stadium, with the victor securing the AFC North crown and a playoff berth. A loss would end the Steelers' season and potentially conclude quarterback Aaron Rodgers' 21-year career, as the 42-year-old considered retirement last offseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed commitment to extending Rodgers' run, praising his professionalism and leadership: "I’m just committed to making sure that it’s not. He’s certainly been an awesome contributor to our efforts."
Pittsburgh's recent 13-6 loss to the 3-12 Cleveland Browns squandered a chance to clinch the division early, exposing offensive struggles without Metcalf, who is serving a two-game suspension for an altercation with a fan in Detroit. Washington fractured his arm in that game and is out for the season, complicating blocking and receiving options. Tomlin remains confident in replacements, noting the team's use of multiple tight ends like Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, plus offensive lineman Spencer Anderson: "We use a lot of tight ends... I don’t think it’ll be a strategic issue in terms of replacing his efforts."
Defensively, the Steelers have shored up their run defense recently, limiting Miami to 63 yards, Detroit to 15, and Cleveland to 78 after allowing 217 to Baltimore in Week 14. Tomlin credits improved personnel stability, particularly rookie Derrick Harmon's return. However, NBC analyst Chris Simms favors the Ravens on both sides, citing Pittsburgh's historical run-stopping woes and Baltimore's 307 rushing yards in a 41-point win over Green Bay last week, powered by Henry's 200-plus yards and four touchdowns.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's status is uncertain due to a back bruise following a hamstring injury; backup Tyler Huntley excelled in his absence against Green Bay with a run-heavy attack. Former Steeler James Harrison prefers facing Jackson, arguing the Ravens run less with him in: "The reason I want [Jackson] to play, is I 100 percent believe if he plays, they will not run Derrick Henry 35 times." Ex-Raven Devin McCourty advocates 40 touches for Henry regardless. In Week 14, Baltimore rushed for over 200 yards but inefficiently at 3.8 yards per carry for Henry, while Jackson threw 35 times for 219 yards and an interception.
Linebacker T.J. Watt's availability is optimistic despite a lung issue. Former NFL lineman Jeremiah Sirles dubbed the matchup the "Toilet Bowl," questioning both teams' playoff readiness, but the rivalry's intensity could elevate play. Pittsburgh hopes to leverage Rodgers' experience in high-stakes games, as Tomlin affirmed: "As I stated several times... absolutely."
Power rankings place the Steelers around No. 14, reflecting the Browns upset's impact. Target distribution may shift from the Browns game, where Marquez Valdes-Scantling saw nine looks, to involve Freiermuth and running back Kenneth Gainwell more.
