The stage is set for one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL as the Baltimore Ravens head to Acrisure Stadium for a pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With both teams vying for supremacy in the AFC North, the game promises to be a high-stakes affair that could have significant playoff implications. Baltimore, led by the dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson, will look to avenge recent struggles against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers, who have dominated the rivalry in recent years.
As the Ravens prepare for the showdown, they do so with a 7-3 record, giving them a strong chance to take control of the AFC North with a win. However, the Steelers have had Baltimore’s number in recent matchups, winning seven of the last eight contests, including a 3-1 record when facing Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ ability to break this trend will be crucial as they aim to position themselves for a deep playoff run.
While the Ravens have been enjoying a strong season, it’s clear that heading into Pittsburgh with their best roster is critical. This has led to some tough decisions about player availability, particularly with the exclusion of key contributors. On the eve of the game, the Ravens officially confirmed that safety Eddie Jackson will not be traveling to Pittsburgh. Although Jackson is not dealing with an injury, the 30-year-old defensive back has already missed the previous two games this season, and his absence will be a significant one for Baltimore’s defense.
Eddie Jackson has been a key piece of the Ravens’ secondary, providing leadership and stability in the backfield. His exclusion from the lineup means that Baltimore will need to rely on the depth of their defense to hold up against a Steelers offense looking to make a statement. The Ravens’ defense will need to adapt quickly without Jackson, who has played in all but one game this season, and find a way to stop Pittsburgh’s attack.
On the Steelers’ side, head coach Mike Tomlin is also dealing with player losses ahead of the big game. Pittsburgh’s defense will be without cornerback CJ Henderson, who has been placed on the reserve list. This move adds another layer of complexity to the Steelers’ preparations, as they now face a short-handed secondary going up against one of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson. To fill the void, the Steelers promoted running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Ward, who has seen limited action this season, will provide additional depth to a Steelers roster that’s already facing challenges due to injuries and suspensions.
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Despite these setbacks on both sides, the stakes for Sunday’s game could not be higher. The Ravens and Steelers have long been the titans of the AFC North, with both teams historically dominating the division. Since the creation of the AFC North in 2002, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have combined to win the division in 16 of the 22 seasons. This rivalry is not just about divisional bragging rights—it’s about positioning for the road to the Super Bowl.
The Ravens and Steelers both understand the weight of this game, not just in terms of division standings but also in shaping the playoff race. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, both teams are looking to fine-tune their rosters and hit peak form as they enter the stretch run. For Baltimore, securing a win in Pittsburgh would send a message to the rest of the AFC that they are a legitimate contender for a deep postseason run.
The Ravens will certainly miss Eddie Jackson’s presence in the secondary, especially as they face a Steelers offense that has been known to strike quickly when given the opportunity. However, Lamar Jackson and the offense will have their own challenges to overcome against Pittsburgh’s defense. The Ravens’ ability to execute their game plan, even with the absence of one of their key defensive players, will be critical.
For Mike Tomlin’s Steelers, the absence of CJ Henderson could lead to some vulnerable moments in the secondary, where Jackson and his receiving corps will look to exploit any weaknesses. The Steelers’ defense has been strong all season, but this game could test their depth in a way they haven’t been tested yet.
As these two heavyweights square off, the importance of this game goes beyond just a win or loss. It’s about who can capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses, who can step up in the face of adversity, and who will come out of this rivalry game with the upper hand as the AFC North race heads into its final stages.
Both teams know that this isn’t just another game—it’s a defining moment in the season. As the rivalry intensifies and the playoff picture becomes clearer, the Ravens and Steelers will each look to assert their dominance in a division that has been owned by these two teams for the better part of two decades.
Sunday’s game will be a test of resolve for both squads. The Ravens will need to overcome the absence of Eddie Jackson and prove they can succeed without one of their key defensive players. On the other side, the Steelers will need to dig deep and overcome their own injuries, hoping that the next man up mentality will be enough to slow down Lamar Jackson and the explosive Ravens offense.
In a rivalry as storied as this, anything can happen, and both teams know that a win in Week 11 could be a springboard to greater success in the weeks to come. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and with both teams gunning for a spot in the playoffs, this game could have lasting implications for the road to the Super Bowl.
