What to keep a close eye on in the first divisional duel of 2024
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, arguably the greatest rivalry in the NFL, open the book to the 2024 chapter. Here in 2024, the stakes of this heated matchup may not have been so high in quite a few years. With the Ravens at 7-3 and the Steelers at 7-2, the winner of this game will take sole possession of the No. 1 spot in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh leads the all-time matchup with a 35-25 record. Even in the era of Lamar Jackson and this strong Ravens side, the Steelers have continued to dominate, winning seven of the last eight outings.
Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh meet once again in what continues to be one of the greatest coaching matchups of all time. Tomlin, now receiving high praise for his decision to start Russell Wilson, comes into this game riding high as his Steelers are winners of four straight. Harbaugh and the Ravens have struggled in some contests to this point but have also shown true colors in big games. Victories over teams like Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and two over Cincinnati paint the strong Ravens picture. While on the other hand, losses to Las Vegas and Cleveland pose a few question marks.
However, games this season against other teams do not matter when it comes to Ravens-Steelers. As we have seen in years past, no matter how good or bad one team may be, these games are always down to the wire. The last eight head-to-heads have been decided within a touchdown or less, including four games being within three points or less.
Given the Steelers’ average teams in the past few seasons, these contests have still been exciting, but nothing like the prime 2010 battles. Well, expect a change back to that level this year, as these two both have their eyes on the Super Bowl.
For the Ravens, it has been their fearless run game that has beaten teams down. The acquisition of Derrick Henry has been everything and more that their fans could have imagined. Henry leads all NFL rushers in virtually every stat, including yards and touchdowns. His partner in crime, Jackson has not been too shabby either as he leads all NFL QBs in rush yards. The ability to switch back and forth between Jackson’s fast-twitch-glitch and the brick wall that Henry has won the Ravens more than a few close games this year. Most of these coming in the fourth quarter where the stamina of these two has prevailed against tired defenses.
A few injury-related news and notes include stars Alex Highsmith for the Steelers and Kyle Hamilton for the Ravens. Neither Highsmith nor Hamilton participated in Wednesday’s practices as they both labor ugly-looking ankle injuries. Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson looks to be battling through a hamstring injury as he too, did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
If you thought there were not already a plethora of stories coming into this one, think again. Ravens-Steelers always come with baggage, but this year, there might just be a little added spice. Here are two storylines that you will want to keep an eye on before, during, and after this AFC North clash.
Lamar Jackson vs. history against the Steelers
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
While Jackson has missed quite a few dates with the Steelers due to injury, the ones he has played in have not gone ideally for him. Whether it is Pittsburgh simply having his number or Jackson letting the rivalry get to him, his statistics against the Steelers are ugly. With Jackson, here are some of the Ravens’ numbers against Pittsburgh.
- Record: 1-3
- Team PPG: 19.8
- TD-INT Ratio (Passing): 4-7
- Giveaways per game: 2.5
Once again, this year it is a much different Ravens team. If the passing game struggles, they can turn around and hand it off to the record-breaking pace running back Henry. You have to imagine that with all of Jackson’s weapons he now has, this year may be more of a challenge for this Pittsburgh defense. Weapons include the aforementioned Henry as well as Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Rashod Bateman. You also cannot forget about the recently acquired former Steeler in Diontae Johnson. However, in a press conference earlier this week, Mike Tomlin mentioned other players occupying larger roles than Johnson when asked about matching off with his former wideout.
Patrick Queen vs. former team
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
For the first time in his career, Patrick Queen will face off against the team that drafted him, the Baltimore Ravens. It is expected there will not be many hugs or reminiscing, though, as this heated rivalry continues to boil up. Queen also knows that moving on was not only best for himself but best in the eyes of the Ravens as well. “I wasn’t wanted back,” said Queen. “I didn’t get an offer back.”
Queen also mentioned that he only speaks with linebacker partner Roquan Smith among his former teammates. Taking all this into consideration, one would imagine that Queen will be playing with a little extra chip on his shoulder this week.
What it all means
There is not much to sugarcoat here; this is arguably the most important game all season for both sides. Say what you want about the Steelers and vice versa for the Ravens, the ultimate test is when these two are face-to-face with nowhere else to hide.
For those who have questions on whether the Steelers are legit or not, this must be their final boss to prove that point. For the Ravens, are they the runaway AFC North team that everyone projected them to be?
For Pittsburgh, it is their first divisional test this year and will be of mass importance to get off on the right foot. For Baltimore, an unpredictable start to their divisional play has them itching for a win over their arch-nemesis.
The ultimate tale of the tape, though, is winner-take-all. As it stands, the winner of this game takes sole possession as kings of the north. Such placement will more than likely stand until they meet again later this year.
Expect typical Steelers-Ravens football with the heavy-hitting, strong running, and all-out effort from every man on the field. Expect the offenses to take over, as we will see a higher-scoring outing than in recent years.
Score prediction: Steelers, 32, Ravens, 28