The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up to face off against the Baltimore Ravens in an exciting AFC Wild Card playoff game on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. The showdown will happen at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, and you can catch all the action streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This will be the third time these two heated rivals meet this season, with both squads eager to grab a vital win to boost their playoff ambitions.
Season Overview
Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
The Ravens wrapped up the regular season as the AFC North champs and snagged the third seed in the playoffs. They’ve been a powerhouse all year, especially on offense, with quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the charge. He’s had a season worthy of MVP honors, throwing for 4,172 yards and racking up an impressive 41 touchdown passes while only tossing 4 picks. Plus, he made history as the first player in the NFL to throw for over 4,000 yards and rush for more than 900 yards in a single season. The running game has been strong too, with Derrick Henry putting up 1,921 rushing yards and scoring 16 touchdowns.
The Ravens’ defense is solid, thanks to linebacker Roquan Smith, who racked up 154 tackles, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who topped the team with 6 interceptions. They’ve done a great job keeping opponents in check, giving up only about 21.2 points per game.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
The Steelers are heading into the playoffs as the sixth seed after a rocky finish to their regular season, where they dropped four straight games. Even with that rough patch, they clinched a playoff spot due to some lucky breaks in other matchups. Quarterback Russell Wilson has had his ups and downs, but he still wrapped up the season with 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdown throws, and a solid passer rating.
Najee Harris has been a solid choice for the Steelers, racking up more than 1,000 rushing yards and finding the end zone 6 times. On the defensive side, the Steelers have really shined, giving up just over 21 points per game. Linebacker T.J. Watt has been a key player, consistently putting pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.
Key Players to Watch
Lamar Jackson (BAL): His ability to threaten defenses both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the most formidable quarterbacks in the league. Look for him to use his throwing and running skills to challenge a Steelers defense that needs to keep him in check.
Derrick Henry (BAL): As one of the top running backs in the league, Henry’s strong running style will be key to setting the tone for Baltimore’s offense.
Russell Wilson (PIT): The experienced quarterback has to cut down on turnovers and get into a groove quickly to keep up with Baltimore’s explosive offense.
T.J. Watt (PIT): His skills in breaking up plays will be crucial in putting the brakes on Jackson and making him face tough scenarios.
Game Strategy
The Ravens are probably going to prioritize their run game right from the start to create some play-action chances for Jackson. Their offensive line has to stand strong against Pittsburgh’s tough pass rush, especially with Watt in the mix. On the defensive side, Baltimore has to put pressure on Wilson and make him slip up.
Pittsburgh really needs to manage the clock with their running game. They’ve got to figure out how to take advantage of Baltimore’s secondary while keeping Wilson safe from that aggressive pass rush.
Considering how Baltimore has been playing lately and the boost they get from being at home, plus their high-powered offense with Jackson and Henry, they’re the favorites in this game. Still, you can’t ignore Pittsburgh’s track record of bouncing back in playoff situations.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 30 – Pittsburgh Steelers 24
This forecast highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, considering how they’ve matched up earlier this season. The result will depend on crucial moments from the standout players and could go in any direction, setting the stage for an exciting playoff battle.