The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) travel from Pittsburgh to Baltimore to take on the Ravens (12-5) on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. in an American Football Conference (AFC) Wild Card Game. The Pittsburgh and Baltimore playoff game is on Amazon Prime Video, which may limit viewership. The game is the third meeting between the teams, who are in the same division. Baltimore is the No. 3 seed, and Pittsburgh is the No. 6 seed.
Weather will not be a factor in Baltimore as the temperature should be about 30 degrees Fahrenheit at game time, with a low likelihood of precipitation. Baltimore is favored in the matchup by 9.5 points and the over/under is 43.5. The teams split their two meetings this season. So, even though Baltimore is favored by a large amount, this game should be a close one and the game should be bruising. The Baltimore running game should be the difference in this game. This article previews both teams and gives some key players for each team.
Pittsburgh Steelers Keys To Victory
Pittsburgh has overachieved this season due to a great coaching job from their Head Coach Mike Tomlin. To win this game and advance in the playoffs, which is something that Pittsburgh can do, the Steelers need to keep doing the same things they have done all season. Control the ball with a good running game, have the two-headed quarterback monster make some big plays running and passing, do not beat themselves with penalties and turnovers, and play stout defense.
Pittsburgh can keep this game within the point spread. It is worth pointing out that the Pittsburgh Steelers had the seventh-ranked time-of-possession offense during the regular season. Baltimore’s time of possession ranked sixth in the National Football League. Like in all playoff games, turnovers will be important.
Pittsburgh’s Important Players
The most important players for the Pittsburgh Steelers are Quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson has had a bit of a resurgence this year, and though Fields may be injured, he presents a nice change of pace at quarterback. Though there is some controversy about who should be the starting quarterback, the way Tomlin and the Steelers have used Fields since he lost his starting job has been inspiring.
Another important player for the Steelers is Running Back Najee Harris. The Steelers need to possess the ball and keep it away from the Ravens, who are heavy favorites. The best way to do that is to run the ball. On defense, the Steelers need to spy on Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson. In this sense, the entire Pittsburgh defense will be important to victory. It will hurt them if Defensive Tackle Cameron Hayward is unable to play.
Baltimore Ravens Keys To Victory
The Ravens are the heavy favorites as long as they do not hurt themselves with penalties and turnovers. Aside from that, they need to run the ball effectively and hit a few big pass plays. With featured Wide Receiver Zay Flowers questionable, the Baltimore passing game may be somewhat limited. The Ravens also need to leverage their highly effective defense to stop the Steelers. The Ravens ranked No. 20 in total defense and first in rush defense.
Baltimore’s Important Players
The most important player for the Baltimore Ravens is Quarterback Lamar Jackson. He is a dual-threat quarterback and the best rusher in the National Football League. Jackson is helped by big, bruising Running Back Derrick Henry. Henry signed with the Ravens before the season and has played great. However, it is time for him to shine. Aside from that, everyone on the Baltimore defense must play well. They are highly ranked and need to play up to their potential.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their excellent ball-control offense, should keep this game close with the Baltimore Ravens. The wildcard game marks the third time this season that Pittsburgh and Baltimore have played each other. The division they play in is usually bruising and familiarity breeds contempt. Expect a tough, close game, and if the Ravens do not shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers and penalties, they should win by 3-5 points, not 10.
