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Everything You Need to Know: Ravens vs. Steelers

122619-Everything-You-Need-To-Know-vs-Steelers

Basics

Kickoff: 4:25 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium

TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Channel 9 (Washington, D.C.), CBS crew (Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn)

Radio: WBAL (1090AM/101.5FM) & 98Rock (97.9FM) Ravens crew (Gerry Sandusky, Jarret Johnson, Kirk McEwen); Compass Media Networks (Chris Carrino, Brian Baldinger); WDCN La Nueva 87.7 radio broadcast on the Ravens app: (David Andrade, Gustavo Salazar, Ximena Lugo)

Jersey color: Purple

Stakes

The Ravens can finish 14-2, which would be their best regular season in franchise history. Baltimore will be trying for its 12th straight victory, which would extend the longest winning streak in team history. The Steelers (8-7) are still in the AFC playoff picture, but they probably need help. Pittsburgh will make the playoffs with a victory, coupled with a loss by the Tennessee Titans. However, if the Steelers lose, they will need an unlikely combination of outcomes to avoid missing the playoffs.

History

Pittsburgh leads the all-time regular-season series, 25-22, but the Ravens can sweep the season series for the first time since 2015. In Week 5, the Ravens began their 11-game winning streak with a 26-23 overtime victory in Pittsburgh. Lamar Jackson threw three interceptions for the only time this season, but he also completed 19 of 28 passes for 161 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Brown. Justin Tucker kicked four field goals, including a 48-yarder to tie the game near the end of regulation, followed by a 46-yard game-winner in overtime. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey made the game's biggest defensive play, recovering a fumble in overtime that he forced by punching the ball away from Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Storylines to Watch

Can the Ravens still win while resting key players?

Clinching the No. 1 seed gives Baltimore the luxury to rest key starters like Jackson, Mark Ingram II, Marshal Yanda, Earl Thomas III and Brandon Williams. However, the Ravens want the franchise record for regular-season victories, and a victory would keep their winning streak intact heading into the playoffs. Battling for a playoff spot, the Steelers won't make it easy.

Will the Ravens set the NFL single-season rushing record?

Baltimore needs 93 rushing yards to set the team single-season rushing record (3,165 yards) held by the 1978 New England Patriots. With leading rushers Jackson and Ingram not playing, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill could see their most extensive playing time of the season. Both have fresh legs and would love to help Baltimore break a record that has stood for 41 years.

Which quarterback will have the better day, Robert Griffin III or Devlin Hodges?

Griffin is by far the more accomplished player, but this will be his first start since 2016 with the Cleveland Browns. Hodges has struggled recently, but he played well coming off the bench in Week 5 against Baltimore. The quarterback that has the steadiest day is most likely to have a winning day.

Key Matchups

Ravens offensive line vs. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt

With 14 sacks, Watt is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. The Steelers have an excellent pass rush, featuring three players with at least eight sacks. The Steelers sacked Jackson five times in Week 5. It might be difficult for the Ravens to keep Watt out of the backfield, especially if Yanda isn't the only offensive lineman who gets the day off.

Robert Griffin III vs. Steelers secondary

Pittsburgh is second in the NFL in interceptions (19), led by Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has five. Griffin has the talent to make plays against Pittsburgh's defense, but the Steelers aren't afraid to gamble, and they'll try to create turnovers to help their struggling offense.

Ravens running game vs. Steelers front seven

Pittsburgh is allowing just 3.7 yards per carry and ranks fourth overall in team defense. Baltimore has the league's best rushing attack, and they will rely on it even though Jackson and Ingram aren't playing.

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