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We can now turn the page on the NFL regular season with the NFL Super Wild Card Weekend schedule finalized. We have some great matchups in store, specifically the matchup in Baltimore. We have an AFC North rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s review that matchup, recap both teams’ regular seasons and make a game pick throughout this article.
The Steelers have had a roller-coaster type of season with a lot of ups and downs. But, like always, Mike Tomlin figured out a way to go 10-7 with an offense that has struggled at times. But the unfortunate part for them is that they come in riding a four-game losing streak, including a loss to this Ravens team.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is leading this offense after taking over for Justin Fields after the first six games. Wilson has done a great job protecting the football this season, throwing just 5 interceptions. But at times, the offense has looked very boom or bust with him at quarterback. Meaning it was a big play or nothing most of the time.
The rest of the playmakers on the Steelers offense had mediocre seasons on the stat sheet. Running back Najee Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards for the fourth straight season but had a career-low in touchdowns, with just 6.
As for the receiving room, it was led by George Pickens. He played in just 14 games but still had 900 yards, though once again, touchdowns were an issue, with a career-low 3. He also averaged the lowest yards per catch of his career.
The best part of this Steelers team is their defense and special teams. The defense is led by T.J. Watt, who had 11.5 sacks this year and is a premier pass rusher in the league. But the Steelers defense did struggle down the stretch. As for their special teams, Chris Boswell was a true weapon, hitting 41-44 field goals.
The Ravens once again had a great season, finishing atop the AFC North with a 12-5 record. That was even after a slow start to the season, beginning 0-2.
Reigning MVP QB Lamar Jackson arguably had a better season this year than last. Jackson threw for over 4,100 yards and a whopping 41 passing touchdowns compared to just 4 interceptions. As he always does, he added 915 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground.
With the offseason addition of RB Derrick Henry, it seemed to unlock another level of Lamar. The 31-year-old running back had a terrific season himself. He rushed for over 1,900 yards for just the second time in his career and 16 touchdowns for the third time. Those two truly are a dynamic duo.
WR Zay Flowers was the leading receiver for this team, with over 1,000 yards and 4 touchdowns. Veteran tight end Mark Andrews had a quiet start to the season but once again finished strong, ending the year with 11 touchdowns.
Then, just to touch on the Ravens defense, they had a very tough start to the season. They allowed at least 25 points in seven of their first 10 games. In their previous seven games, they have allowed fewer than 20 points in six of those games. Their defense seems to be peaking at the right time.
Since this is an AFC North rivalry matchup, we have seen this game twice already. They split the regular-season series with one win apiece: the Steelers winning 18-16 on the road and the Ravens winning 34-17 on the road. So take that how you want.
Heading into this game, I just feel like both of these teams are trending in two separate ways. The strength of the Ravens is their offense, which is humming with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. As we mentioned, their defense is playing much better. As for the Steelers, their strength is their defense, which has struggled the past six games. The Steelers have allowed at least 27 points in five of their previous six games.
With that said, I would think the Ravens win this game. In the matchup just a few weeks ago, they dominated the Steelers on the ground with Derrick Henry. He rushed for 162 yards on 24 carries but did not find the end zone. I see Henry dominating on the ground once again here but also finding the end zone. So, our Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens pick is on Derrick Henry to score one or more touchdowns.
Dylan has had a love for sports since he was a kid. Four years ago, he decided to dive into the sports content-creating industry specializing in Fantasy Football, NFL and NBA. He has since had his work published on sites that include Fantasy Alarm, Fansided, and Fantasy Six Pack.