Week 12: Ravens at Steelers
Entering into the Thanksgiving matchup, the Steelers are sitting at 5-5, having just come off a brutal loss to Jaguars (as the Steelers typically do). Having already dropped the week seven game to the Ravens, losing this one would result in a tough stretch to make the playoffs. Coming off a short week as well, the Steelers are banged up, with Snell, Washington, and Bud Dupree all sitting out. The Ravens are 8-point favorites in the matchup.
On the Raven’s first drive, Alex Highsmith logs his first career sack (he’ll get another half-sack later on), catching Lamar Jackson from behind for the strip-sack that Watt will take to the house. This sets the tone early, as the Steelers play a physical game.
Conner sees his most work on the season, running the ball 22 times for 123 yards and two scores. Johnson plays a vital role as well, catching 10 passes and moving the chains constantly. Roethlisberger only throws one TD (Smith-Schuster takes a short slant 83 yards for the score) but the offense does well keeping the ball out of the Raven’s hands.
The defense struggles to stop the run (a common issue all season), as the Ravens RBs combine for over 150 yards rushing. What they do well though is containing Jackson, as he only scrambles for 23 yards, the lowest of the season. They pressure him early and often, with Highsmith, Watt, and Stephon Tuitt all combining for 5 sacks. The game is competitive and close, but the Steelers pull off the win at 31-28 with a walk-off Chris Boswell field goal.