National pundits are nearly even on the Week 18 Steelers-Ravens clash for the AFC North title and playoff spot, picking Baltimore 10-8. Lamar Jackson returns from injury but has struggled historically against Pittsburgh, while the Steelers are without suspended WR DK Metcalf.
Picks for Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET finale at Acrisure Stadium show a razor-thin divide among national experts. Baltimore edges out with 10 selections to Pittsburgh's 8. Steelers supporters include Pete Prisco (CBS Sports: Steelers 23-17), Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk: 23-20), and Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network: 27-24). Ravens backers feature Chris Simms (Pro Football Talk: Ravens 31-21) and Maurice Jones-Drew (NFL Network: 33-28).
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson starts after sitting out last week with a back injury. He is 3-6 in regular-season games vs. Pittsburgh, with nine TDs and 10 INTs—his only negative TD-to-INT opponent.
Pittsburgh misses WR DK Metcalf (two-game suspension), who torched Baltimore for 148 yards (three 20+ yard catches) in Week 14. QB Aaron Rodgers has hit just 24% of 20+ air-yard throws this season outside that outing.
Baltimore RB Derrick Henry remains red-hot with 442 rushing yards over his last three games vs. Pittsburgh. The Ravens lead the NFL in rushing since Week 15 (667 yards) but face the Steelers' No. 1 rush defense (156 allowed).
Pittsburgh leads in sacks with T.J. Watt (7.0) and Alex Highsmith (8.5) topping Baltimore's Travis Jones (4). Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey carries a three-game pick streak.
Both teams lack depth at WR—only Baltimore's Zay Flowers tops 500 yards. Pittsburgh ranks No. 2 in rushing since Week 15, challenging Baltimore's No. 3 rush D. Ravens are 3.5-point favorites (O/U 40.5).