Pittsburgh’s Path to Glory: Analyzing the Steelers’ Playoff Chances

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the NFL Playoffs under unique and challenging circumstances, setting up a high-stakes showdown with the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round. Despite a tumultuous finish to the regular season, Pittsburgh’s storied rivalry with Baltimore and their history in playoff clashes leave plenty of room for optimism. 

Last year, the Steelers posted a 10-7 record before falling to the Buffalo Bills, 31-17, in the Wild Card Round. The defeat underscored Pittsburgh’s struggle to contend with elite teams in high-pressure games, marking their exit from the playoffs. That loss looms over the franchise as they seek redemption this season.

This year, the Steelers face the Ravens in what will be their third meeting of the season. The series is currently split, with Pittsburgh winning 18-16 on November 17 at Acrisure Stadium, and Baltimore dominating 34-17 on December 21 in Baltimore. This rubber match is the fourth instance since 2000 where these AFC North rivals meet three times in a single season. Notably, the Steelers have won two of the prior three playoff encounters under similar circumstances.

Baltimore’s recent December victory was only their second win in the last ten meetings between these teams since 2020. Pittsburgh holds an 8-2 advantage over that span and a 3-1 record against Baltimore in the playoffs. However, the Ravens’ sole playoff victory came in 2015, a 30-17 win in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers entered December with a two-game lead in the AFC North but stumbled to end the regular season on a four-game losing streak, capped by a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. This marks the first time since 1998 that Pittsburgh dropped their last four games and only the third instance in NFL history of a team entering the playoffs on such a streak.

Had Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati, their playoff opponent would have been the Houston Texans instead of the Ravens. This missed opportunity raises questions about their momentum heading into the postseason and their ability to adjust under pressure.

In stark contrast to Pittsburgh, Baltimore enters the playoffs on a four-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 135-43 over that span. Their dominance highlights their offensive firepower and defensive improvements, setting the stage for a formidable Wild Card showdown.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, a top MVP candidate, and running back Derrick Henry, who is in contention for Offensive Player of the Year, are central to Baltimore’s resurgence. Jackson’s ability to shake off past struggles against Pittsburgh and Henry’s dominance against physical defenses will be critical in this matchup.

The Steelers’ defense must focus on limiting Henry’s impact and containing the dynamic passing threats posed by Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Mark Andrews. This multifaceted approach will test Pittsburgh’s depth and strategic acumen.

The Steelers have beaten the Ravens twice in the same season on three occasions since 2020, but none of those seasons included a playoff game. Despite their strong overall record, the Steelers’ recent struggles in Baltimore, including the Week 16 loss, cast a shadow over their chances.

Before Week 16, Jackson had yet to demonstrate consistent success against Pittsburgh. His standout performance in that game suggests he may have turned a corner, posing a new challenge for the Steelers’ defense.

Steelers Team Stats

Passing Yards

192

28th

Rushing Yards

127.4

10th

Points For

22.4

14th

Points Against

20.4

7th

Players to Watch

Russell Wilson

2,482 passing yards

16 touchdowns

QBR 52.3

Najee Harris

1,043 rushing yards

263 carries

Six touchdowns

George Pickens

900 receiving yards

59 receptions

Three touchdowns

T.J. Watt

61 tackles

11.5 sacks

Ravens Team Stats

Passing Yards

237.4

7th

Rushing Yards

187.6

1st

Points For

30.5

3rd

Points Against

21.2

10th

Players to Watch

Lamar Jackson

4,172 passing yards

41 touchdowns

QBR 77.4

Derrick Henry 

1,921 rushing yards

325 carries

16 touchdowns

Zay Flowers

1,059 receiving yards

74 receptions

Four touchdowns

Roquan Smith

154 tackles

1.5 sacks

For Pittsburgh to succeed, their offense must improve its efficiency and execution. Establishing the run, creating opportunities for playmakers, and avoiding turnovers will be critical in neutralizing Baltimore’s momentum.

While Baltimore’s defense has improved, targeting mismatches in the secondary and leveraging quick passes could open up opportunities for Pittsburgh’s receivers.

The Steelers face an uphill battle in the Wild Card Round, but their rich history, defensive prowess, and resilience make them a team no one can overlook. With the rivalry narrative adding an extra layer of intrigue, this matchup promises to be a classic chapter in the storied Steelers-Ravens saga.