In Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off against their fierce rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in a game with significant playoff implications. Pittsburgh enters the contest riding high after a narrow 18-16 victory over the Ravens in Week 11, a win that helped them stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, the stakes are much higher this time as both teams are jockeying for position in the competitive AFC playoff race.
The Steelers are dealing with key injuries heading into the game, most notably the absence of star receiver George Pickens. In their previous meeting with Baltimore, Pickens was instrumental in moving the offense, hauling in 8 catches for 89 yards on 12 targets. His performance was critical, particularly in a game where the offense struggled to generate consistent production.
Unfortunately, Pickens has been listed as inactive for this matchup due to a hamstring injury. Given the need to preserve him for a potential playoff push, his absence is a significant blow to a Steelers offense that has had difficulty scoring points all season.
Russell Wilson must rely on alternative targets to capture win
In Pickens’ absence, Pittsburgh has leaned on other weapons, most notably tight end Pat Freiermuth and speedy wideout Calvin Austin III. Both players must step up in a big way to keep the offense moving against Baltimore’s tough defense.
Freiermuth, who has been a reliable target for quarterback Russell Wilson, will be essential in the middle of the field. Austin, meanwhile, must find a way to take the top off the defense and provide the big-play potential that Pickens typically offers.
Over the past two weeks, the Steelers offense has been inconsistent. They succeeded against a weaker Cleveland Browns defense but were stifled by the Philadelphia Eagles’ top-tier defense. Wilson has struggled to top 200 yards passing in consecutive weeks, and with Pickens sidelined, he will have to rely on Freiermuth, Austin, and others to carry the load.
The offensive line must also give Wilson enough time to find open receivers, as pressure from the Ravens’ pass rush could quickly derail Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm.
A win in Week 16 would not only give the Steelers a crucial head-to-head victory over a division rival but also help them edge out seeding in the AFC playoff race. However, a loss would put them in a precarious position as the regular season winds down, making it much harder to secure a playoff spot.
With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, this game promises to be a hard-fought battle with significant ramifications.