The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens in a massive week 11 divisional contest.
Pittsburgh is first in the AFC North with a 7-2 record. Baltimore is right behind them with a 7-3 record.
These two teams have a lot of history.
When these two teams square off, it is typically a very close game. Nine of the last 10 meetings between these two teams have been won by seven or fewer points. Neither team scored more than 20 points in each of the last seven meetings. In the last 10 meetings, the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 18 points per game, while the Baltimore Ravens averaged 17.30 points per game.
This game should be no different and it will be a close battle. This means there are certain matchups to look at and X-factor players that can make a big impact.
Below, we take a look at some key matchups and X-Factor players to watch in this massive divisional contest.
Steelers Vs Ravens Key Matchups
Below are some key matchups for the massive Steelers vs Ravens contest.
Steelers Rush Attack Vs Ravens Rush Defense
The Steelers rank eighth in rushing yards per game. Baltimore ranks first in rushing yards allowed per game.
A top-10 rushing attack in the Steelers takes on the best rush defense in the league. Something has to give. If the Steelers can get the ground game going, this will be a major help on offense.
The Ravens have been awful against the pass but their rush defense has been elite. The Steelers prefer getting the ground game going and that is how they have been successful this season.
Ravens Offensive Line Vs Steelers Pass Rushers
Lamar Jackson has been sacked just 13 times through 10 games. However, the offensive line has not protected Jackson well against the Steelers. Jackson has been sacked four or more times in each of his last four games against Pittsburgh. The pressure has also caused Jackson to throw one or more interceptions against Pittsburgh in four straight games.
Alex Highsmith will be out for the Steelers but the Ravens still need to deal with TJ Watt. The offensive line needs to do a better job protecting Jackson against the Steelers’ pass rushers.
Steelers Vs Ravens X-Factor Players
The Steelers and Ravens each have prominent, well-known QBs and stars on their teams. QBs Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson will be huge factors in the game, as well as Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, TJ Watt, and George Pickens. Patrick Queen will be a huge help to the Steelers as he was with the Ravens for four straight seasons before joining the Steelers in the offseason.
However, this game could come down to some X-Factor players that will have a large role in the game.
While speaking on 93.7 radio in Pittsburgh, CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala mentioned Pat Freiermuth as a possible X-factor for the Steelers and Derrick Henry for the Ravens. The reason she mentioned Henry is he has not had a lot of success against the Steelers and for the Ravens to come out on top, they will need Henry to have a big game.
Steelers X-Factors: LB Nick Herbig & LB Preston Smith
Our X-Factor for the Steelers will be two players who should see ample playing time this week due to injury. The combination of Nick Herbig and newly acquired Preston Smith will see a lot of playing time with Alex Highsmith out due to an ankle injury. Herbig is dealing with a hamstring injury but Mike Tomlin stated he feels “pretty comfortable” that Herbig will suit up against Baltimore. Both players will have a major role in stopping Baltimore’s high-powered offense. Smith and Herbig will need to put pressure on Lamar and contain him in the pocket.
Ravens X-Factor: RT Roger Rosengarten
Our X-Factor for the Ravens will be right tackle Roger Rosengarten. Unlike other star pass rushers who typically line up against opposing left tackles, TJ Watt lines up against right tackles. Rosengarten gets the daunting task of trying to stop TJ Watt from taking over the game. If Rosengarten can do a good enough job against Watt, this will be a massive help for Baltimore’s offense.
This is a massive game and if recent history is any indication, it will be a closely contested battle.
