Ravens, Steelers Meet With Division Lead on the Line

The AFC North race tightens this weekend as the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a pivotal showdown that could determine the division’s eventual champion. Both teams enter Sunday’s matchup searching for consistency, with recent struggles placing added pressure on every remaining game. With Wild Card positioning becoming more complicated, the margin for error is shrinking rapidly.

For the Ravens, the spotlight has largely fallen on quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose recent performances have sparked debate about his health, rhythm and late-season form. Though the former MVP remains the face of Baltimore’s offense, he has acknowledged the growing conversation around his play. Still, he maintains that the criticism fuels rather than distracts him.

Jackson addressed the chatter in a conversation with The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, dismissing the ongoing scrutiny and insisting he remains unaffected by outside voices. His veteran approach comes at a time when the Ravens need stability under center more than ever.

Sunday’s meeting comes with high stakes beyond rivalry pride. A Baltimore sweep would give the team control of the AFC North, while another setback would deepen concerns about its trajectory as the playoff race intensifies.

1. Jackson Navigates Criticism Amid Offensive Struggles

Lamar Jackson’s response to criticism has been measured and confident. He told Zrebiec that negative commentary is simply “noise,” adding that many players thrive on that kind of motivation. After an uneven season marked by interruptions and inconsistent production, he is determined to stay focused on what the Ravens can still achieve down the stretch. Part of the frustration stems from a hamstring injury Jackson suffered in Week 4 against Kansas City, sidelining him for three games. In his absence, Baltimore’s offense struggled, losing both starts made by Cooper Rush while Tyler Huntley secured a single win that sparked a brief turnaround. His return brought a surge of optimism, especially after throwing four touchdowns in a Thursday night win over the Miami Dolphins. But that momentum quickly evaporated. Since then, Jackson has delivered only one touchdown in five games—and none in the past three, marking the longest such drought of his career. While Jackson maintains that outside criticism won’t shift his mindset, the pressure to elevate his performance is unmistakable as the Ravens fight to stay relevant in a crowded playoff field.

2. A Season of Missed Opportunities and Mounting Concerns

Baltimore’s current position is as much about circumstance as performance. This has not been an MVP-level campaign for Jackson, and the Ravens’ playoff hopes remain alive largely because the Steelers have stumbled after a strong start. Wins over struggling teams such as Cleveland and the Jets helped the Ravens reach 6–5, but their shortcomings were exposed once Joe Burrow and the Bengals dealt them a decisive Thanksgiving loss. Health is no longer a built-in excuse. After weeks of lineup instability, the Ravens now have a near-full complement of offensive weapons. Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews are all available, giving Jackson the type of support system the team envisioned entering the season. Despite those advantages, Baltimore’s offense has lacked the dynamic execution seen in past years. The most notable absence has been Jackson’s trademark explosiveness as a runner. His mobility has appeared limited throughout the year and remains a key concern entering December. The Ravens’ inability to consistently capitalize on favorable matchups has made their playoff pursuit more complicated than expected, increasing the urgency of a late-season turnaround.

3. Lingering Injuries Raise Questions About Durability

While the Ravens insist Jackson remains capable of leading them into the postseason, his availability continues to be a weekly storyline. He has missed at least one practice in four straight weeks, each time due to a different lower-body issue. This week it was a toe injury that sidelined him on Thursday. Both Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh have downplayed the significance of these ailments, framing them as routine maintenance. But on-field results paint a different picture, highlighting moments when his movement looks restricted or his decision-making appears rushed. Jackson’s inconsistent health has directly impacted not only his rushing threat but also his timing and comfort in the passing game. With defenses less concerned about his scrambling ability, coverage schemes have tightened, forcing Baltimore into more contested throws and shorter drives. Despite the challenges, the Ravens still control their destiny. If Baltimore sweeps the season series, they reclaim the inside track for another AFC North title—an achievement that would reshape the narrative of what has so far been a disappointing campaign.