The Steelers have one of the toughest matchups of the season this week with the Ravens. A divisional rival always boasts a good and competitive game, and Baltimore is playing at another level right now. Their offense has been dynamic, and Lamar Jackson looks impossible to stop right now. They also boast a stout defense headlined by their nearly elite run defense.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore know each other well, and these games are always close and down to the wire. I expect this week to be no different. That said, this game is a huge one, as the top spot in the AFC North is up for grabs. A lot is riding on both teams this week.
As per usual, there are a few names that stick out as core players needed to win. I expect the run game to stall out as has been the case against the Ravens all year, although Jaylen Warren could provide some spark with a few bigger runs. The passing game will be key this week. As for the defense, they have done a good job limiting Jackson in the past, but it has come at the cost of allowing the rest of the run game to dominate. Instead, I think this unconventional player will likely hold the key for the Steelers this week.
Steelers need to score points however they can
Despite both offenses playing well right now, I expect this game to be a lower-scoring affair that is highlighted by key stops. Both offenses will move the ball, but it will be up to the defenses to bend and not break. I think both sides can do that. That means this game could be decided on special teams.
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With that in mind, I think Chris Boswell holds the keys to a Steelers win this week. In a game of inches, great kicking can easily be the difference between a win and a loss. To his credit, Boswell has been kicking at an elite level so far this season. He is on pace to have his best season ever, and his current field goal percentage of 95.8 is a career-best. That level of play needs to continue this week.
His counterpart, Justin Tucker, is widely viewed as the greatest kicker in history, but he has looked off this season, missing four field goals so far. Assuming this game is as gritty as it usually is, the win could come down to kickers, and Boswell needs to continue to play like the better option.
Placing this win on a kicker seems crazy considering the high-powered offenses that are gearing up to play, but having the ability to score on stalled drives and on long-field goals will add points to the board in a potentially low-scoring game.
This game could equally come down to one last kick, so Boswell needs to be ready. There are other factors and assumptions at play, but Boswell maintaining his excellent play is vital this week against the Ravens.