Ravens vs. Steelers: AFC North Clash for First Place

The highly anticipated clash between the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) is set to ignite the AFC North this Sunday. With both teams vying for the top spot in the division, this game promises a thrilling showdown of skill and strategy. The Steelers, riding a four-game winning streak, boast an impressive average of 30.33 points per game in their three games with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback. However, the Ravens, having won seven of their last eight games, arrive in Pittsburgh ready to challenge the home team's dominance.

Game Day Details: Where and When to Watch

The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on November 17, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. For those unable to attend in person, most of America will be able to catch the action live on CBS. Several streaming options are also available, including Paramount+, Fubo, DirecTV, and NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube. Out-of-market viewers will be able to find the game on YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL+.

Streaming Options

Paramount+: Offers live streaming of NFL games on CBS, alongside a diverse library of entertainment. A free trial is available for new subscribers. This is great for fans of Champions League soccer, Star Trek, Survivor, The Challenge, and many more shows.
Fubo: Provides access to a wide array of channels, including ESPN, NFL Network, Fox, ABC, CBS, and more. While it's a significant monthly investment, it offers nearly every channel you'll need for the NFL season. A $20 discount off any Fubo tier is available for your first month. Fubo subscribers also get 1000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
YouTube TV: Offers NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on, providing access to all NFL games, including those outside your local market.
DirecTV Stream: offers a variety of packages that include CBS and other channels.

Remember, regional restrictions may apply to some streaming services.

Key Matchup Insights: Three Things to Watch

This game presents several key matchups that could ultimately decide the victor. Let's dive into three pivotal aspects to watch for:

Can Lamar Jackson Overcome Past Challenges?

Lamar Jackson, on his way to potentially winning his second consecutive MVP award, will be looking to perform well against a tough Steelers defense. While the Steelers have historically given Jackson trouble, with a 1-3 record and seven interceptions across four starts against them, this season's version of Jackson presents a significantly greater challenge. With impressive passing and rushing statistics under his belt (2,669 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, two interceptions; 558 rushing yards, two touchdowns), a strong performance against Pittsburgh could solidify his claim for a third MVP.

The Battle for Ground Dominance

The Ravens' running game, particularly Derrick Henry's performance, is crucial to their success. In games where Henry runs for over 100 yards, the Ravens boast a 5-0 record, in contrast to their 2-3 record when he's held below that mark. Pittsburgh's strong run defense (allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game at 87.1) will pose a significant test for Baltimore’s top rushing attack (182.6 rushing yards per game). The ability of the Ravens to establish a running game will greatly influence the rest of their offensive game plan. If Henry can manage a substantial day, the rest of the Ravens offense will be relieved and this will be pivotal to their success. But if he fails to gain significant yards, the pressure will be on Jackson to orchestrate a heroic performance.

Kyle Hamilton's Health and Impact

The health and performance of Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton are critical. His absence in Week 10 against the Bengals resulted in a significant defensive downturn. While the Steelers' offense is not as potent as Cincinnati's, its improvement since Wilson took over as starting quarterback warrants attention. If Hamilton is less than fully recovered from his ankle injury, the Ravens defense may struggle to effectively counter Wilson’s aerial attack; this is a concern because the Ravens defense ranks last in passing yards allowed per game.

A Final Word: The AFC North Stakes are High

This Ravens-Steelers showdown is not just another game; it’s a pivotal battle for dominance in the AFC North. Both teams have earned their spots with outstanding seasons. The winner will not only claim the division lead but also seize significant momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The outcome of this clash will determine not only the immediate standings, but it also sets up the end of the season nicely. Will it be the Ravens' impressive offense or the Steelers' robust defense that prevails? Tune in to witness this thrilling encounter!