The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens in a winner-take-all Week 18 clash at Acrisure Stadium for the AFC North crown and a playoff spot. This prime-time showdown revives a historic rivalry, with the Steelers seeking to build on their controversial Week 14 victory. Analysts highlight critical individual battles that could decide the outcome.
The stakes could not be higher for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens as they face off on Sunday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium. A victory secures the AFC North division title and a playoff berth for the winner, while the loser sees its season end. The teams last met in Week 14, where Pittsburgh prevailed 27-22 after a late controversial call overturned a touchdown for Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. The Steelers missed a chance to clinch the division in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, setting up this decisive rematch.
Analyst Josh Carney identifies four key matchups to watch across all phases of the game. First, Ravens running back Derrick Henry faces the Steelers' inside linebackers, including Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, and Malik Harrison. Henry was held to 94 yards on 25 carries in the prior meeting, where the linebackers combined for 24 tackles. Carney emphasizes the need for an aggressive, downhill approach to prevent Henry from gaining momentum, especially after his 216-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.
On offense, Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling will test Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey. With no DK Metcalf in the mix for Baltimore's defense, Pittsburgh may lean on quick passes to MVS, who saw nine targets in the Week 17 loss to Cleveland. Humphrey's physical style could challenge the receiver, but the Steelers need big plays from him.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth matches up against Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, who is limited by a hamstring injury. Freiermuth caught three passes for 63 yards last week, including explosive gains over the middle. Pittsburgh should target this area early to exploit Smith's mobility issues, alongside Jonnu Smith.
Finally, rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, a 2025 first-round pick, takes on Ravens right guard Daniel Faalele. Harmon missed the Week 14 game when Baltimore rushed for 217 yards, but Pittsburgh's run defense has improved recently. Faalele has struggled, allowing 29 pressures and four sacks this season.
Bold predictions vary: One analyst foresees Henry repeating his historic outing with 200-plus yards and four scores to propel Baltimore to victory. Another expects Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to post 300 yards and three touchdowns in his best performance as a Pittsburgh player, clinching the win. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco also picks the Steelers to beat the Ravens and claim the division.
