Steelers (9-7) at Ravens (13-3)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore TV: ESPN/ABC
Spread (BetMGM):
Steelers by 4
Steelers’ keys to victory: To make the playoffs, Pittsburgh likely needs to defeat Baltimore while either Jacksonville or Buffalo loses. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh could rest starters at critical positions ahead of the wild-card bye. The Steelers feature big-play WRs Diontae Johnson and George Pickens and a strong duo at running back with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Timing works out for Pittsburgh; it will face a Ravens defense likely without CB Marlon Humphrey, CB Brandon Stephens and DB Kyle Hamilton.
Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore has a potent rushing attack that sets up the play-action pass. Baltimore will look to pressure Steelers QB Mason Rudolph while limiting Harris and Warren. On offense, QB Tyler Huntley will likely get the starting nod. He will lean on RB Justice Hill, while RB Melvin Gordon could play a big role.
Matchup to watch: Steelers’ Pickens vs. Ravens CB Ronald Darby. If CBs Humphrey and Stephens are ruled out for Baltimore, it’ll be Darby and Rock Ya-Sin matching up against Pickens and Johnson in a must-win game for Pittsburgh. Those two combined for 11 catches and 207 yards in the Week 17 win over the Seahawks.
Who wins? The last time Baltimore had the No. 1 seed four years ago, it suffered a divisional-round loss to the Titans. After wrapping up the No. 1 seed in Week 17, the Ravens will again wrestle with what to do with QB Lamar Jackson and other key starters. Baltimore takes its foot off the gas for a week, and Pittsburgh wins to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Steelers, 17-10