For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jaylen Warren could quietly become a centerpiece of an offense that needs balance and physicality heading into Week 14 against Baltimore. With the AFC North playoff picture tightening and a massive divisional showdown looming, the Steelers’ ability to run the football consistently will be crucial -- and Warren is the player built to deliver.
Thus far in 2025, Warren has amassed 639 yards on the ground at 4.2 yards per carry, and he’s finding the end zone with increasing frequency. His back-to-back rushing touchdowns in Week 12 at Chicago and last week at home against Buffalo signal a player who is hitting stride at the perfect time.
And if Pittsburgh eyes a late-season push, Warren’s combination of power, vision, and reliability gives the Steelers a dependable hammer in the backfield.
Jaylen Warren will be the key to a Steelers victory in Week 14
While much of the attention falls on Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and the passing attack, Warren’s role can't be understated. At 215-plus pounds, he’s a physical runner who can consistently move defenders, reduce depth from linebackers, and force safeties to respect the run. That, in turn, opens opportunities for Rodgers to operate play-action, create space for intermediate routes, and maximize the impact of a limited receiving corps.
The Steelers’ offensive identity -- especially against a Ravens defense that thrives on aggression and imposing their will within the front seven --will hinge on Warren’s ability to set the tone.
He's also been slowly integrating into the passing game, catching two passes a week from Week 8 against Green Bay through Week 11 against the Bengals, while adding two more catches (three targets) last week against Buffalo. And while he’s only recorded a single receiving touchdown this fall, the potential for him to contribute in the air adds another dimension to an offense that desperately needs versatility against Baltimore's front.
A physical, downhill ball-carrier is the type of player who can wear a defense down over the course of a game, and against the Ravens, Warren will be tasked with sustaining drives, converting short-yardage situations, and controlling the clock. If the Steelers can lean on him effectively, it not only improves their chances to win in Week 14 but also sets the blueprint for a potential postseason run.
In short, Warren is more than a complement to Rodgers, or a situational player -- he is a linchpin. And Pittsburgh’s hopes for both a divisional title and a deep playoff push rest heavily on his ability to churn yards, execute in the red zone, and, when targeted, make players miss in space.
The ground game works in September, it works in November, and it sure as heck works when the temperature drops below freezing. For Warren, while he's consistently looked upon as a serviceable back that could be upgraded from in the years to come, the next few weeks are an opportunity to make a statement.