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Matchups to Watch in Ravens vs. Steelers, Week 16
Here are five matchups to look for as the Ravens host the Steelers.
RB Derrick Henry vs. LB Patrick Queen
Henry is historically his best in December, and he will look to avenge his fumble in the first matchup with the Steelers. Queen had one of his best games of the season in Week 11, finishing with 10 tackles and a forcing fumble near the end of the first half. Queen's return to Baltimore will generate some buzz, but Henry will be eager to put his stamp on the NFL's most physical rivalry.
ILB Roquan Smith vs. RB Najee Harris
The Steelers have a run-first offense led by Harris and will want to set the tone early in the trenches. Harris is coming off his lowest output of the season against the Eagles, running just six times for 14 yards as Philadelphia shut down the Pittsburgh run game. Smith was handmade for the Ravens-Steelers rivalry with his physicality, and he will do anything in his power to prevent Pittsburgh from winning the AFC North at M&T Bank Stadium.
CB Marlon Humphrey vs. TE Pat Freiermuth
With George Pickens (hamstring) questionable to play Saturday, the Steelers could lean on Freiermuth in their pass game. Freiermuth has 492 receiving yards and a team-high six touchdowns as the tight end is a favorite target for Russell Wilson. Humphrey, who is having a resurgent season, will get reps on Freiermuth in the slot, and their battle could be one of the most important if Pickens is out.
QB Lamar Jackson vs. S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Jackson is coming off his second five-touchdown game of the season and is playing the best football of his career, but his lowest career QB rating is against the Steelers. However, Saturday is Jackson's first career home game against the Steelers with fans in the stands, and he's looking to give the Baltimore crowd an early Christmas present. Fitzpatrick, one of the defensive leaders for Pittsburgh and a known play maker, will look to slow down Jackson and Baltimore's pass catchers in the AFC North showdown.
RT Roger Rosengarten vs. LB T.J. Watt
Rosengarten more than held his own in the Week 11 matchup, allowing just one pressure and no sacks on 36 pass blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Watt (ankle) looks on track to play and is coming off a two-sack game against the Eagles, in which he also forced a fumble. Keeping Watt in check will be a top priority for Baltimore.
