FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2012 file photo, Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) runs after recovering a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. In the last decade, four defensive backs from the modern era have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday, five of them are up for consideration. Cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Ed Reed are in their first year of eligibility. Cornerback Ty Law and safeties John Lynch and Steve Atwater each have been this route before and fallen short. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Ravens Playoff Prospects Following the Steelers’ Victory
The 2024 NFL season has been a thrilling ride for the Baltimore Ravens, but the team now finds itself at a critical juncture following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent victory. While the Ravens have been competitive and potent offensively throughout the season, the Steelers’ win has significant ramifications on Baltimore’s playoff hopes, division standings, and overall postseason potential. In this article, we will break down how the Ravens’ playoff prospects are shaped by the Steelers’ victory, analyzing the key factors involved, the state of the AFC North, and the broader playoff picture.
1. The AFC North and Ravens’ Division Hopes
The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and this year is no exception. Historically, the division has been a stronghold for defensive-minded teams, and the rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers remains one of the league’s most intense. After the Steelers’ recent win, the division race has become tighter, and Baltimore’s path to the postseason is now more challenging.
At the time of writing, the Ravens were tied with the Steelers or a game behind in the standings, with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals not far behind. The Steelers’ victory adds a layer of complexity to the division race as Pittsburgh has not only improved their standing but could very well control the head-to-head tiebreakers in the event of a season-ending tie.
For the Ravens, maintaining a strong record against division opponents becomes paramount. If Baltimore drops another game to Pittsburgh or any of the other teams in the division, the margin for error narrows significantly. The Ravens’ season finale against the Steelers could potentially serve as a “win-or-go-home” scenario, especially if they are vying for the division title or a wild-card spot.
2. The Steelers’ Momentum and What It Means for the Ravens
Momentum is a powerful force in the NFL, and the Steelers’ victory provides them with a surge of confidence as they continue their push for the playoffs. Pittsburgh has often found ways to excel in crucial games under head coach Mike Tomlin, whose ability to get the best out of his team in high-pressure situations cannot be understated.
The Steelers have a formula that works—strong defense, ball control, and opportunistic offense. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is far from a finished product, but his development has been steady. The Steelers’ ability to capitalize on turnovers, combined with their defense (which has been one of the most formidable in the league), makes them a dangerous postseason contender. The Ravens must now account for this newfound momentum when preparing for their upcoming games, particularly against Pittsburgh.
3. Baltimore’s Current State: Strengths and Weaknesses
While the Steelers’ victory certainly puts the Ravens on notice, it is important to assess Baltimore’s current form and how the team matches up with its rivals. Despite recent challenges, the Ravens are still one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, with a solid defense, an explosive offense, and one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Lamar Jackson.
Offensive Firepower: Lamar Jackson has proven that he is more than just a running quarterback. His arm has improved over the years, and his connection with top target Mark Andrews remains one of the most reliable in the league. Additionally, the emergence of Zay Flowers as a dangerous weapon in the passing game gives the Ravens multiple avenues to attack opposing defenses.
However, the Ravens’ offense has occasionally struggled with consistency, especially in high-pressure situations. Against elite defenses, Lamar has sometimes been forced into turnovers or held in check for long stretches. The Steelers’ defense, with T.J. Watt leading the charge, is one of the few in the league capable of containing Jackson’s playmaking ability. This means that the Ravens will need to execute at a high level on offense, making sure to avoid critical mistakes and find ways to move the ball in difficult conditions.
Defensive Strength: Baltimore’s defense, led by the veteran presence of Roquan Smith and emerging playmakers like Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton, has been one of the league’s top units. The defense has been especially effective in stopping the run and forcing turnovers, a crucial asset when facing teams like the Steelers, who rely on ball control and field position.
However, one area where Baltimore has struggled at times is in pass coverage, particularly against high-powered offenses. If the Ravens are to make a deep playoff run, they will need to tighten up their pass defense and ensure that big plays don’t become the undoing of their postseason aspirations.
Injuries and Depth: One of the key factors in determining Baltimore’s playoff prospects is their injury situation. Historically, the Ravens have been plagued by injuries, and the 2024 season has been no different. Key players such as J.K. Dobbins (who was lost to injury earlier in the season) and other starters on both sides of the ball have missed significant time. Depth will be an issue as Baltimore heads into the second half of the season.
If the Ravens can get healthy at the right time and make strategic additions, they could bolster their chances. However, the team will need to be creative with roster management and make the most of their remaining resources to avoid being derailed by injuries down the stretch.
4. Key Remaining Games for Baltimore
Looking ahead to the Ravens’ remaining schedule, several critical matchups will define their playoff fate. Of course, the two games against Pittsburgh (both home and away) will be crucial, as mentioned earlier, but there are other games that hold significant weight.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are another AFC North team that is always a threat with Joe Burrow under center. While Cincinnati’s defense has been inconsistent, Burrow’s ability to lead the offense makes them dangerous on any given Sunday. The Ravens will need to lock up the Bengals’ high-flying offense, particularly with a passing attack that features elite talent like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Cleveland Browns: Cleveland’s defense has been stout all year, and Deshaun Watson is showing signs of getting back to his Pro Bowl form. A two-game season series against the Browns could decide whether Baltimore secures a division crown or battles for a wild-card spot. The Ravens’ defensive line will need to continue its excellent play, and they’ll have to shut down Cleveland’s ground game led by Nick Chubb.
Miami Dolphins and Other Playoff Contenders: The Ravens also have matchups against teams like the Miami Dolphins, who have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Games against the Dolphins, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs, could factor into Baltimore’s seeding. Given that the AFC has several elite teams this season, the Ravens must ensure they finish strong, regardless of their division results.
5. Playoff Seeding: Wild Card vs. Division Winner
The Steelers’ victory complicates matters for Baltimore in terms of playoff seeding. If the Ravens are unable to win the division, they will likely have to rely on a wild-card spot to make the playoffs. The AFC, with its bevy of talented teams, is a highly competitive field, and the wild-card race could come down to tiebreakers or a critical late-season game.
Even if the Ravens do not win the division, they have the talent to succeed in the postseason. With Lamar Jackson’s ability to turn any game on its head, and a defense capable of shutting down high-powered offenses, the Ravens could make a run from the wild-card position. However, having to win multiple road games in the playoffs could prove daunting.
