Ravens vs. Steelers: One thing to watch from each offensive position group in wild-card game
In a matter of hours, the Ravens and Steelers will meet for a third time this season in the AFC Wild-Card game on Saturday night. Baltimore won the AFC North with a 12-5 record, compared to 10-7 by the Steelers. The Ravens finished on a four-game winning streak, and Pittsburgh finished on a losing streak. The Ravens are 6-2 at home. Pittsburgh is 5-4 on the road. Baltimore was 4-2 in the division compared to 3-3 for the Steelers.
QB –Lamar Jackson against ghost of Playoff past
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Jackson is the only quarterback in NFL history with multiple MVP awards without a Super Bowl victory. He has a 2-4 postseason record and has nine turnovers in those four games. In Jackson’s four playoff losses, the Ravens have averaged 10.5 points and didn’t once exceed 20 points scored. We will watch to see if Jackson can exercise the demons of the playoff past.
RB– Justice Hill to the rescue
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 21: Justice Hill #43 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Derrick Henry is Baltimore’s bellcow running back, but Justice Hill could give the Ravens an edge in the passing game. Hill has missed the last two games with a concussion and an illness after suffering the injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their December 21 matchup. Hill has 47 rushes for 228 yards this season, and with Zay Flowers out with a knee injury, he could be the most impactful pass catcher, with favorable matchups on the outside against Pittsburgh linebackers.
WR — Who replaces Zay Flowers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 15: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Flowers, who will miss his first career NFL game due to injury, hurt his knee in last week’s division-clinching win over the Browns. He had 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season.
With Zay Flowers ruled out, Rashod Bateman will assume the role of WR1; outside of Bateman, what other athlete at the wide receiver position will take a key role? The Ravens could also lean more on their tight ends Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar, who has returned from a broken arm. Harbaugh said the Ravens will move players around, meaning Justice Hill could assume a role if Nelson Agholor or Tylan Wallace don’t emerge.
TE — Can Ravens tight ends loosen up Steelers defense
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens on the sideline before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Mark Andrews is heading into Saturday night’s wild-card contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers confident after finishing the regular season with touchdown catches in six straight games. Andrews and Lamar Jackson have never looked more in sync, and they’re eager to ride their momentum into the postseason.
OL –Can Ravens hold strong in playoffs
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) pass rushes against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
T.J. Watt is in his eighth season and has never won a playoff game. The Ravens’ retooled offensive line and rookie Roger Rosengarten have neutralized him so far this season, but Watt was dealing with an ankle injury last time. This is the game’s biggest matchup, and we will watch to see if Alex Highsmith and Watt can impact this contest.
