Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: What is on the line

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown run by Javorius Allen in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 27-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs out of the way to try to complete a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) /

1. A 3-1 start would be huge for Baltimore:

The Baltimore Ravens need this win. The schedule is about to get tough and a 3-1 record would be a helpful thing to have after the first quarter of the season. The Ravens are a team worthy of a playoff spot, and they have to take care of business. The Ravens have been held out of the playoffs for three straight years; each season has come with one or two games that the team has regret. Baltimore has to leave Pittsburgh without regrets.

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A 3-1 start for the Ravens would help the team keep pace with the Cincinnati Bengals, who beat them in week 2. The Bengals have had a strong start to the season, but it’s hard to buy into Cincinnati. If the Ravens keep winning the division could be there for the taking. 3-1 and 2-2 feel completely different. 3-1 gives Baltimore momentum, 2-2 keeps doubt around for a while. The Ravens want to confirm that they are the team that beat the pulp out of the Bills and dominated the Broncos. The Ravens want to put the Thursday Night Football debacle in the fluke category, and send a statement that the Ravens are for real.

That’s what is really on the line for the Ravens. Baltimore has a chance to have a special season. The passing game looks better than it really ever has. The defense has looked formidable. John Harbaugh has talent to work with. The Ravens have to prove that they are among the big boys in the NFL. This would be a big time win for the Ravens. It would give them momentum, confidence and a sense of legitimacy.

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