Steelers vs. Ravens NFL Week 16 Picks: Pittsburgh Could Be Vulnerable at Baltimore

Steelers Couldn’t Keep Up With Eagles

The Steelers suffered a double blow in Sunday’s 27-13 loss to the Eagles, losing star linebacker T.J. Watt to an apparent foot injury in the fourth quarter. Watt, who leads the team with 11.5 sacks this season, sustained the injury while chasing down Jalen Hurts. He was evaluated in the medical tent and did not return to the game.

On offense, Pittsburgh struggled against a smothering Eagles defense. Quarterback Russell Wilson endured a tough outing, throwing for a season-low 128 yards while completing 14 of 22 passes. He managed a nine-yard touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth but fell to 6-1 lifetime against Philadelphia.

The Steelers’ ground game was nearly nonexistent, with Najee Harris gaining just 14 yards on six carries. Calvin Austin III led the receiving corps, catching five passes for 65 yards.

The absence of wide receiver George Pickens was glaring. Pickens, who leads the Steelers with 55 receptions and 850 receiving yards, missed his second straight game due to a hamstring injury sustained ahead of Pittsburgh’s Week 14 win over Cleveland. His status for Saturday’s divisional matchup against Baltimore remains uncertain.

Kicker Chris Boswell provided some bright moments, connecting on field goals from 37 and 49 yards. His 38 field goals this season now lead the Steelers.

Ravens Crushed Giants

The Ravens continued their dominant form with a 35-14 victory over the Giants, led by Lamar Jackson’s electrifying performance. Jackson tied his career high with five touchdown passes and added 65 rushing yards on six carries. He completed 21 of 25 passes for 290 yards, posting a near-perfect quarterback rating of 154.6.

Jackson connected with Rashod Bateman for touchdowns of 49 and 20 yards and opened the scoring with a 13-yard strike to tight end Mark Andrews. He also found Devontez Walker for a 21-yard score and Justice Hill for a 27-yard catch-and-run that capped a 97-yard drive.

The Ravens’ star quarterback now has 34 touchdown passes in 14 games this season. It was Jackson’s sixth career game with five touchdown passes and his second this year, following a similar performance against Tampa Bay on October 21. On the ground, Derrick Henry contributed 67 yards on 14 carries, complementing Baltimore’s aerial dominance.

Key Matchups

With injuries hampering the Steelers and Jackson leading a high-powered Ravens offense, this game could turn into a test of resilience for Pittsburgh.

Lamar Jackson vs. Steelers Defense

Jackson’s near-perfect performance against the Giants last week included five touchdown passes and 65 rushing yards, bringing his season total to 34 passing touchdowns. With Watt possibly sidelined, the Steelers’ ability to pressure Jackson will be limited, and containing his dual-threat ability will be an uphill battle.

Pittsburgh’s secondary will be under immense pressure to cover Bateman and Andrews, both of whom have been critical to Baltimore’s success.

Najee Harris vs. Ravens Front Seven

The Steelers’ run game has been stagnant, with Harris rushing for just 14 yards on six carries against the Eagles. Baltimore’s defense is adept at shutting down opposing runners, and Harris will need a breakout performance to give Pittsburgh a chance.

Without a credible threat on the ground, the Steelers’ offense risks becoming one-dimensional, which would make them easy prey for Baltimore’s aggressive front seven.

Russell Wilson vs. Ravens Secondary

Wilson struggled against Philadelphia, throwing for a season-low 128 yards while completing 14 of 22 passes. The absence of Pickens, Pittsburgh’s leading receiver, could again loom large.

Austin III has shown flashes of potential with his five-catch, 65-yard performance, but Wilson will need to spread the ball effectively and avoid turnovers to have any shot against Baltimore’s disciplined secondary.

Ravens Passing Game vs. Steelers Secondary

Jackson’s ability to spread the ball to Bateman, Andrews, and others makes Baltimore’s offense incredibly difficult to defend. Bateman’s deep threat and Andrews’ consistency in the red zone create mismatches for Pittsburgh’s secondary.

With no Watt to disrupt Jackson’s rhythm, the Ravens’ passing attack could have a field day.

Special Teams

Boswell remains a reliable asset for Pittsburgh, connecting on two more field goals against the Eagles to bring his season total to 38. However, with the Steelers’ offense struggling to find the end zone, Boswell’s contributions may not be enough to keep the game close.

Baltimore’s efficiency in capitalizing on scoring opportunities could be the difference-maker.

The Pick

The Steelers could be at a significant disadvantage without Watt on defense and Pickens on offense. Baltimore, with Jackson leading an explosive offense, appears to be peaking at the right time. Pittsburgh’s inability to sustain drives and generate points against top-tier defenses will likely leave them vulnerable in this matchup.

NFL Pick: Ravens -6.5 (-108) at Heritage Sports

Ravens -6.5 (-108)

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