After the Steelers fell off a cliff against Philadelphia last week, they will hope to turn the tide in Week 16. They hit the road to take on the Ravens in a game that could have a direct impact on the winner of the AFC North. After a tough loss, Mike Tomlin is normally able to get his team ready to bounce back in their next performance, but it will be difficult this time around.
Even though the Ravens haven't beaten Pittsburgh since 2022, they remain a big hurdle. They are one of the toughest teams in the AFC, and they play a dynamic brand of football. More times than not, the Steelers and the Ravens keep the game extremely close. That is one of the reasons why Pittsburgh has found a lot of recent success against their hated rival.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense have been clicking for most of the year. For one reason or another, when Jackson plays the Steelers, he has mostly struggled during his career. He seems to be overthinking things and that has led to many victories going in the other direction. Pittsburgh can't expect Jackson to always have "off days" against them and it could bite them in the end.
Still Curtain contributors predict another slide for Steelers
"Looking to right the ship after a dismal showing against the Eagles, the Steelers travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. A similar outcome awaits the Steelers. The Ravens running game proves to be the difference." - Eric C Hassel (Ravens 23-17)
"Pittsburgh is licking its wounds after a dominating, ugly loss in Philadelphia. They head into another tough road contest with the division on the line in Baltimore. The offense MUST improve if they want to win the North with 2 weeks to go but, it fails to do so and keeps Baltimore alive." - Brandon Kring (Ravens 21-10)
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"The Steelers have had the Ravens' number for years. Now it all comes down to this. Pittsburgh can hoist the AFC North trophy with a win in Baltimore. Unfortunately, Mike Tomlin's team is coming off an ugly outing in Philadelphia and is forced to turn around on a short week to slow down Lamar Jackson and company in a pivotal divisional matchup against a tough opponent. The Steelers got the best of the Ravens the first time around, but I have this one going a different direction." - Tommy Jaggi (Ravens 24-20)
"I go back and forth on this game, as the Steelers historically do well against the Ravens, but the offense is sputtering and the defense was exposed last week. Ultimately, I think the Ravens get a bit of revenge and win a close one." - Andrew Falce (Ravens 21-20)
Final prediction has Steelers not doing enough to stop Ravens
Score Prediction: Steelers 20, Ravens 24
It is hard to go against history in this game as Tomlin's teams normally bounce back well after a tough loss. Many different key factors will play into the outcome of this game. One will be the health of the Steelers going into this contest. If they don't have T.J. Watt and most of those listed on the injury report, then it could be an ugly outing for Pittsburgh.
Russell Wilson and the Steeler's offense haven't played well since they dominated a terrible Bengals defense a couple of weeks ago. They might have gotten points before last week, but that was from short fields that were provided to them. Turnovers are going to be huge in this battle, and Wilson must score a touchdown with every opportunity he receives, or they will struggle to stay afloat.
On the defensive side of the ball, they just need to keep doing what they have against Baltimore. Frustrate Jackson to no end and cut off the run lanes. That is easier said than done, but Pittsburgh has done it before. If they can force a turnover or two, then their chances of winning will increase. Hopefully, Justin Tucker will have his toxic season continue with a few missed kicks once again.
When it comes down to it, Pittsburgh's struggles on offense won't get any help this week against a strong Ravens defensive front. Unless Wilson cooks up a strong passing attack, they will be sitting ducks. With that being said, there will probably be some turnovers in this matchup. It will be close but expect the Steelers to struggle to get a win as an end-of-season slide continues.