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2018 Baltimore Ravens: How do they match up with the Steelers?

By Chris Schisler

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a throw under pressure from Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Ravens have a top rival, and that’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s all about having the throne in the AFC North, so how do the Ravens match up against their divisional foe?

The Baltimore Ravens are in a bad spot in the rivalry they hold with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers eliminated the Ravens in the 2016 season, which was on Christmas for an extra sting. The Ravens got swept by the Steelers in 2017. While the Ravens had the upper hand for a while in this rivalry, winning nine of 12 games between 2011 and their first meeting in 2016, the Steelers have won back the upper hand.

The Ravens season could likely end up being defined by how they match up against the Steelers. These are two games that carry more weight than any games on the NFL Schedule. Sure, every divisional meeting is important across the league, but it’s not inflating the facts to say that the Ravens and the Steelers are two of the most pivotal games of every season.

When both teams are legitimately vying for a playoff spot, the story of the season is summed up by these two games. In 2008 the Steelers won the second game and it gave them home field advantage in a third meeting in the AFC Championship game. In 2011 the Ravens swept the Steelers and it was the start of an impressive streak against the Steelers. Baltimore was close to a Heinz Field victory in the last two seasons but walked away short. Ultimately this has been what has kept the Ravens out of the playoffs. The question remains: How well do the Ravens match up against the Steelers when they are at full strength?

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