The Steelers host the Ravens on Wednesday after the game was postponed. Here’s why this is the most important contest of the season for both teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their 10th straight win to begin the season in the first time of a historic franchise that dates all the way back to 1933. Mike Tomlin’s team has been on a rampage lately as they have won their last two contests against the Bengals and Jaguars by a combined score of 63-13. Yet, despite owning the league’s best record, their now Wednesday game against the Ravens (that was originally scheduled to be played on Thanksgiving night) has huge implications for both teams.
To the surprise of many, Baltimore is just 6-4 on the season through their first ten games of 2020. After starting the season 5-1, the Ravens have since gone just 1-3 over their last four contests. Ironically enough, their bad luck started after losing a close game to the Steelers in Week 8.
But could this game really be the most important of the year for both teams? Quite easily, in fact. Let’s take a look at what this game means to both Pittsburgh and Baltimore:
What this game means for the Ravens
For the Ravens, this is pretty straight forward and most football fans that have been around for a while don’t need an explanation. Baltimore is sitting 4 games behind the Steelers for the division lead, and winning the AFC North is something that is no longer feasible. At this point, John Harbaugh’s squad just needs to focus on securing a playoff berth.
Currently, the Steelers are the number one seed in the AFC, followed by the Chiefs (9-1), Bills (7-3), and Colts (7-3); those are the division leaders for the time being. While there is an extra Wild Card team entering the tournament this year, it is a tight race between the Titans (7-3), Browns (7-3), Dolphins (6-4), Raiders (6-4), and Ravens.
If Baltimore drops this game to the Steelers and falls to 6-5 on the season, they could be two games outside of the Wild Card race. What’s worse is that if they continue to lose divisional and conference games like this, they won’t own a tiebreaker if they are able to get to that point. There is everything riding on this game for the Ravens.
What this game means for the Steelers
This game isn’t quite as dire to the Steelers, but it will be the most important contest they play all season. In order to keep the Kansas City Chiefs off their heels and hold onto the number one seed, they can’t afford to lose this game – especially considering the circumstances. Baltimore will be without at least 18 players who either tested positive for COIVD-19 earlier this week or were in close contact. In addition, they are coming off an overtime game against the Titans. Fortunately for them, however, the Thanksgiving night kickoff has now been moved twice – most recently to Wednesday night. While the Steelers are coming off a road game in Jacksonville, they were able to rest starters in the fourth quarter against the Jaguars and they will be at home for this contest.
At this point, Pittsburgh is going to make the playoffs no matter what, but being able to potentially knock the Ravens out of playoff contention is an opportunity they aren’t going to want to pass up. Every game is important from here on out for the number one seed, but this could be the toughest opponent they have remaining on their schedule. If they can beat the Ravens this week, 16-0 is a reasonable possibility.
Both teams have a lot to play for this week. But while the Steelers hold a slight competitive edge, the Ravens will be fighting and clawing to keep their playoff dreams alive. This could be one of the best games of the season.