The Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will be pivotal for the outcome of the division, and fans from across the nation will be tuning in to catch a glimpse of these two rivals on Sunday. The Steelers-Ravens game could truly go either way, which is why we'll be examining the matchup with a few predictions in mind.
The Steelers are looking to shake off a rough month of November, during which they went 1-2-1 with big losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals, as well as a tie with the Detroit Lions. Their only win of the month, a 29-27 victory over the Chicago Bears back in Week 9, didn't inspire much, either. Looking to put the rough stretch behind them, Mike Tomlin's squad will aim to bounce back in Week 13 and avoid slipping below .500 on the season.
Pittsburgh is still reeling off its 41-10 loss to the Bengals last week, one of their worst defeats to their division rivals in franchise history. If there was ever a time for this Steelers' team to show its character, it would be on Sunday in a key matchup with the Ravens.
A win would see the Steelers improve to 6-5-1 and would narrow the gap between them and the 8-3 Ravens, and give them new life in their push for the playoffs.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 Predictions
4. Steelers' defense forces 3+ turnovers on Lamar Jackson
If there's one way the Steelers can make sure they stay in this game, it's to force Lamar Jackson to throw the football. He was exposed in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, when he threw four interceptions in a sloppy performance. Stopping Jackson from hurting you on the ground is a virtual impossibility, but the 24-year-old is often mistake-prone when forced to pass the ball. If the Steelers can implement a defensive game plan that will limit the run game for the Ravens, they may be able to benefit from a few errant passes from Jackson.
Jackson is second in the NFL with 12 interceptions this year. Only Ryan Tannehill has thrown more picks than the Ravens' star, and the Steelers' secondary needs to step up with a shutdown game in Week 13. Minkah Fitzpatrick could be a big contributor on the defensive end for Pittsburgh in what should be a turnover-happy affair.
3. Najee Harris bounces back with 100+ yards and 2 touchdowns
Najee Harris got off to a terrific start to his NFL career, but his production has plateaued over the past few weeks. Harris has just one touchdown over his past three games, following a stretch that saw him score five touchdowns in as many games. The talented rookie running back will look to get back in the end zone on Sunday, and we're expecting him to do it multiple times in the pivotal showdown. On the year, Harris has five rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. He's rushed 196 times for 708 yards and caught 52 passes for 367 yards. The rookie should figure heavily in Pittsburgh's offensive game plan on Sunday, and could be the difference-maker in this one with a big game.
2. Ben Roethlisberger turns back the clock
There wasn't much in terms of expectations for Ben Roethlisberger heading into the 2021 campaign. While he hasn't played particularly well this season, he's still been serviceable and has limited turnovers. His first four games of the year saw him throw four touchdowns and four interceptions. Since then, Big Ben has thrown 10 touchdown passes and just two interceptions, showing significant improvements in recent weeks despite the Steelers' struggles.
Baltimore's secondary ranks dead last this season in terms of opponents' passing yards per game, so Roethlisberger has a real chance to turn back the clocks and put out a dominant display on Sunday. Big Ben has topped 250 passing yards in three of his past four games and could continue his strong play against a feeble Ravens' pass defense.
1. Steelers win by double digits over the Ravens
The Steelers are essentially in do-or-die mode, as a loss would put significantly dampen their chances of making the playoffs. Pittsburgh's defense hasn't shown up lately, so the team will rely on the offense, and most notably the passing game, to get by their division rivals. Roethlisberger and his stud wide receivers including Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson should be extremely busy on Sunday and looking to expose the Ravens' secondary at any opportunity.
Marlon Humphrey, arguably the Ravens' best defensive back, is questionable coming into the matchup due to an injury. If he's unable to play Roethlisberger and Co. could end up feasting on Baltimore's secondary.
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