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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that follows the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. The Six-Time Super Bowl Champions are a franchise whose tradition dictates a standard of excellence, and their fans expect nothing less year in and year out. Those very same ideals translate to the ultimate Pittsburgh Steelers GameDay Preview, an all-inclusive guide that all Steelers fans read weekly to learn everything they need to know about their team and Pittsburgh’s opponent!
Mike Drakulich, the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle with The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary, Game Prediction, Game Day Information, Broadcast Information, and complete breakdown of each team, complete with stats. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff!
The Pittsburgh SportsNation Game Commentary
When it comes to the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers, one thing is for sure.
Whether you are a fan of this team, or a member of the sports media trying to cover them, by now, you’re definitely suffering from some sort of mental and or physical abuse.
There can’t be a team in history that is harder to figure out than this year’s Steelers.
You simply cannot predict what team is going to show up week to week.
After the humiliating loss to Buffalo, I was out on this team. I had zero faith at all they could win another game, let alone dream of making the playoffs.
Then they won three straight over Baltimore, Miami, and Detroit, and I drank the kool-aid… I felt a pulse of excitement and belief that perhaps this team could make some noise in the playoffs.
To win the AFC North division, all they had to do was defeat Cleveland, a 3-12 joke of a team, which would have rendered Week 18 null and void, and they could have had a well rested squad prepping for a home playoff game in January.
Final: Cleveland 13 Pittsburgh 6.
Just another gut wrenching, soul snatching loss by a team that showed zero heart or desire on offense to be successful.
Now, the Steelers (9-7), face the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) this Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium, in a winner-take-all battle that kicks off at 8:20 PM.
When the Steelers have the ball: Aaron Rodgers has passed for 3,026 yards, 23 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s been sacked 27 times. Prior to the Browns debacle, was playing his best football of the season.
D.K. Metcalf is the Steelers top receiver, pulling down 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns, but he’s suspended for the last two games of the regular season. Calvin Austin III has 28 catches for 317 yards and two touchdowns. Roman Wilson was invisible again, despite both Metcalf and Austin being out last week, and has just 12 receptions for 166 yards and two scores. Scotty Miller has seen an uptick of action the past few games and now has seven catches for 53 yards. Ben Skowronek rarely sees passes thrown his way. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was a late year addition and caught his first pass for a touchdown against Miami. Adam Thielen has eight receptions for 74 yards.
It’s the Pittsburgh tight ends that get the most action when Rodgers drops back to pass. Jonnu Smith has 37 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns, but also has 68 yards rushing and a touchdown. Darnell Washington excelled at helping in the run game with his blocking, and became a danger catching the ball, with 31 receptions for 364 yards a touchdown, but he’s out with a broken arm. Pat Freiermuth has been excellent the past few games, and has 38 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns.
Jaylen Warren continues to be a dual threat at running back, rushing for 892 yards and six touchdowns, adding 35 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Kenneth Gainwell splits time with Warren, and is 2nd on the team with 527 yards, and has found the end zone four times. Gainwell is 1st on the team with 65 receptions for 422 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie Kaleb Johnson has yet to be utilized by Tomlin, gaining just 69 yards so far. Conner Heyward has been the guy under center when in the “Steel City Shove”, and has one rushing touchdown.
When the Ravens have the ball: Lamar Jackson doesn’t look quite like himself this season. Injuries have been a major factor. So far, he’s passed for 2,311 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. On the ground he’s rushed for 340 yards and two touchdowns, all lows in his career.
Zay Flowers is Jackson’s go to guy in the passing attack with 82 receptions for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns. Rashod Bateman has had a subpar year with just 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins has caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace see a pass thrown their way now and then.
Mark Andrews is once again Baltimore’s best tight end, 2nd on the team with 46 receptions for 408 yards and five touchdowns. Isaiah Likely is a good #2 tight end, catching 25 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown.
Derrick Henry is 3rd in the NFL with 1,469 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, adding 15 receptions for 150 yards.
The Ravens are averaging 25.0 points per game, which ranks 11th in the league.
The Steelers path to victory: Stop King Henry from taking over the game, and play to win on offense.
Yes, we all know that Lamar Jackson will be under center when this game begins, but he is nowhere near playing at 75%, let alone 100% of what makes him special.
I like the match-up of Joey Porter, Jr. on Zay Flowers.
Aside from feeding Henry, you know Jackson will be looking underneath to his tight ends in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
If the Ravens are smart, Henry will see no less than 25 carries this game.
The goal on defense won’t be as daunting, as the Steelers have zero players on the injury report, so by all means, they will be at full strength defensively when they take the field.
Linebacker T.J. Watt will be back after missing several games, as will James Pierre and Brandin Echols in the secondary. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon will be pumped to be one of the key factors in keeping the Raven’s Derrick Henry from running wild on them.
“I think all I can say is we’re ready for T.J. to go do T.J. things,” said Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell.
The defense has zero excuses not to step up and show why they are league’s highest paid unit.
It won’t be as easy on offense with their best receiver in D.K. Metcalf out suspended, and tight end Darnell Washington out with a broken arm.
It’s going to be up to Aaron Rodgers displaying some magic, spreading the ball around to all of his play-makers, while being both aggressive, and not giving up any careless turnovers in the process.
The duo of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have to be at their best, chewing up some yardage on the ground against the Ravens. If Pittsburgh can keep Baltimore off balance on defense, that could enable Rodgers to burn them through the air, where the Ravens rank 30th, giving up 245.3 yards a game passing.
With Metcalf out, it will be up to guys like Calvin Austin III, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, and, gasp… maybe Roman Wilson to become the “next man up” as Mike Tomlin often says.
You have two excellent pass catchers at tight end in Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith.
Find them, early and often, especially across the middle of the field.
Nothing that happens will shock me. I fully expect the Steelers to win this game as much as I expect them to choke it away.
The gut feeling, the same place produced a 4-0 record in this week’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals against the odds, says this is going to be a gritty, vicious game between two bitter rivals, in which the Steelers will have the final laugh in this insane season.
The defense will keep Henry from repeating anything near what he did in last year’s playoff game, and the pressure they unleash in the pass rush will produce another ‘Playoff Lamar’ performance that results in key turnovers by the Ravens.
Rodgers finds the end zone at least once, if not twice, and the Steelers secure the AFC North title and a home playoff game next weekend.
Game Prediction: Steelers 23 Ravens 20
Game Day Information
NFL Week 18
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) vs Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Game-time: Sunday, January 4th, at 8:20 PM
Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Field Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
Vegas line: Baltimore -4
Weather at Kickoff: 24 and clear. Winds out of the WNW at 3 MPH.
Broadcast Information
TV: NBC | Local: WPXI-TV (Xfinity: Channel 811)
- Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play) Chris Collinsworth (analyst) | Mellissa stark (field reporters)
Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM
- Announcers: Rob King (play-by-play) Max Starks (analyst) | Missi Matthews (sideline)
National Radio: Westwood One Sports
- Announcers: Ryan Radtke (play-by-play) Mike Golic (analyst)
Internet Broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com
Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall record: 9-7 (1st in AFC North)
Last game: Browns 13 Steelers 6
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
- 19th Season with Steelers
- Overall regular-season record: 192-114-2
- Playoff record: 8-11 (Qualified for playoffs 12 times)
Team Links
Steelers Offense
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 23.2 (15th)
- Total yards per game: 312.1 (27th)
- Passing yards per game: 208.6 (22nd)
- Rushing yards per game: 103.5 (26th)
- Time of Possession: 28:04 (26th)
QUARTERBACK
Aaron Rodgers | #8
Rodgers may be 42, but the arm and his wits are still top notch. Currently tied for 13th in the NFL with 23 touchdown passes. Can he work his magic one more time and lead this team into the playoffs?
Passing Yards: 3,028 | TD Passes: 23 | INT’s: 7 | Sacked: 27
Rushing Yards: 41 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Back-up: Mason Rudolph | #2
Passing Yards: 310 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 2 | Sacked: 2
Rushing Yards: 6 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Jaylen Warren | #30
Warren is a wrecking ball that always seems to get positive yardage. Dual threat out of the backfield, with 892 yards rushing and six touchdowns, adding 35 catches for 300 yards receiving.
Rushing Yards: 892 | Rushing TD’s: 6
Receptions: 35 | Receiving Yards: 300 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Kenneth Gainwell | #14
Gainwell is a Swiss Army knife that can step in at any time. 2nd on the team with 527 yards rushing. Great hands, as he’s 1st on the team with 65 receptions. Team MVP.
Rushing Yards: 527 | Rushing TD’s: 4
Receptions: 65 | Receiving Yards: 422 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Kaleb Johnson | #20
Johnson, a 2025 3rd round pick, has been barely utilized so far this year. Sadly, sees maybe a carry or two a game.
Rushing Yards: 69 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 9 | Receiving TD’s: 0
WIDE RECEIVERS
D.K. Metcalf* | #4
Metcalf is a big, physical receiver, that is Aaron Rodgers’ top weapon. 2nd on the team with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns. Suspended for this game.
Receptions: 59 | Receiving Yards: 850 | Receiving TD’s: 6
Calvin Austin III | #19
Austin, now in his 4th year, is averaging 11.3 yards per catch.
Receptions: 28 | Receiving Yards: 317 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Adam Thielen | #19
Signed off waivers after being released by Minnesota. Should see more passes as he gets more acclimated with the offense.
Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 74 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Marquez Valdes-Scantling | #11
Signed as a free agent, made season debut for Steelers vs Ravens. Caught 1st pass for a TD against Miami.
Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 46 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Roman Wilson | #10
Wilson is barely used in the Pittsburgh passing game. Averaging 13.8 yards per catch. Had two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown vs Chargers.
Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 166 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Scotty Miller | #13
Miler is no superstar, but he seems to make every catch that comes his way.
Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 53 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Brian Skowronek | #15
Great blocker and special teams player, Skowronek had five catches for 69 yards last season. Was the recipient of Aaron Rodger’s first TD pass as a Steeler.
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 69 | Receiving TD’s: 1
TIGHT ENDS
Pat Freiermuth | #88
Freiermuth is another guy being under-used in the offense. 2nd on the team with four touchdown receptions.
Receptions: 38 | Receiving Yards: 435 | Receiving TD’s: 4
Jonnu Smith | #81
Smith is a hybrid tight end/receiver, good hands, excellent route runner.
Receptions: 37 | Receiving Yards: 220 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Rushing Yards: 68 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Darnell Washington* | #80
Mount Washington is an imposing figure at 6’7, 264 pounds. Big part of the offense, aiding the run game with his blocking, but now contributing with 31 receptions for 364 yards. There’s not a corner on this planet that wants this guy running at full speed at them with the ball. Out with a broken arm.
Receptions: 31 | Receiving Yards: 364 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Conner Heyward | #83
Heyward will be utilized in a fullback/tight end role.
Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 18 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Rushing Yards: 15 | Rushing TD’s: 1
KICKER
Chris Boswell | #9
Extra Points: 40-40
Field Goals: 25-30
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards: 5-5
- 30-39 yards: 2-4
- 40-49 yards: 10-11
- 50+ yards: 8-10
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT: Dylan Cook | #60
LG: Isaac Seumalo | #73
C: Zach Frazier | #54
RG: Mason McCormick | #66
RT: Troy Fautanu | #76
Steelers Defense
- Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 22.7 (15th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 356.8 (27th)
- Passing yards allowed: 245.3 (29th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 111.6 (12th)
- Sacks: 45 (7th)
- Interceptions: 14 (9th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
DT: Cam Heyward | #97
Tackles: 71 | Sacks: 3.5
NT: Keeanu Benton | #95
Tackles: 44 | Sacks: 5.5
DE: Derrick Harmon | #99
Tackles: 26 | Sacks: 2
LINEBACKERS
LOLB: T.J. Watt | #90
Tackles: 53 | Sacks: 7 | INT: 1
OR Jack Sawyer | #33
Tackles: 19 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
LILB: Patrick Queen | #6
Tackles: 118 | Sacks: 1
RILB: Payton Wilson | #41
Tackles: 107 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
ROLB:
Alex Highsmith | #56
Tackles: 48 | Sacks: 8.5
OR Nick Herbig | #51
Tackles: 29 | Sacks: 6.5 | INT: 1
SECONDARY
LCB: James Pierre | #42
Tackles: 27 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
OR Asante Samuel, Jr. | #22
Tackles: 9 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 1
FS: Kyle Dugger | #29
Tackles: 40 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2 | TD: 1
SS: Jalen Ramsey | #25
Tackles: 82 | Sacks: 3 | INT: 1
RCB: Joey Porter, Jr. | #24
Tackles: 51 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 1
NB: Brandin Echols | #26
Tackles: 46 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 2
*Injured/Out
Scouting the Baltimore Ravens
Overall record: 8-8 (2nd in AFC North)
Last game: Ravens 41 Packers 24
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
- 17th Season with Baltimore
- Overall regular-season record: 180-112 | 180-112 with Ravens
- Playoff Record: 13-11
Team Links
Ravens Offense
Offensive Stats
- Points per game: 25 (11th)
- Total Offense per game: 347.8 (16th)
- Passing yards per game: 190 (29th)
- Rushing yards per game: 157.8 (1st)
- Time of Possession: 29:24 (21st)
QUARTERBACK
Lamar Jackson | #8
Injuries have limited Jackson in 2025, but he’s still having a solid year with 1,841 yards passing, 15 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Has taken 33 sacks, which is already ten more than he was brought down the entire 2024 season.
Passing Yards: 2,311 | TD Passes: 18 | INT’s: 6 | Sacked: 33
Rushing Yards: 340 | Rushing TD’s: 2
Back-up: Tyler Huntley | #5
Passing Yards: 426 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 0 | Sacked: 8
Rushing Yards: 151 | Rushing TD’s: 0
RUNNING BACKS
Derrick Henry | #22
Henry isn’t having a monster year like he had in 2024, but he’s still 3rd with 1,469 yards and has found the end zone 16 times. Scary blend of power and speed.
Rushing Yards: 1,469 | Rushing TD’s: 16
Receptions: 15 | Receiving Yards: 150 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Keaton Mitchell | #34
Mitchell’s speed is a factor in his abilities.
Rushing Yards: 339 | Rushing TD’s: 1
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 63 | Receiving TD’s: 0
Rasheen Ali | #26
Rushing Yards: 24 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 68 | Receiving TD’s: 1
WIDE RECEIVERS
Zay Flowers | #4
Flowers has become Jackson’s favorite weapon, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,073 yards and three touchdown.
Receptions: 82 | Receiving Yards: 1,073 | Receiving TD’s: 3
Rushing Yards: 42 | Rushing TD’s: 0
Rashod Bateman | #7
Bateman is having a below average year with just 19 receptions for 204 yards.
Receptions: 19 | Receiving Yards: 204 | Receiving TD’s: 2
DeAndre Hopkins | #15
Hopkins is averaging 15.0 yards a catch.
Receptions: 22 | Receiving Yards: 330 | Receiving TD’s: 2
Tylan Wallace | #16
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 45 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Devontez Walker | #81
Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 90 | Receiving TD’s: 2
TIGHT ENDS
Mark Andrews | #89
Andrews continues to be one of Baltimore’s most reliable receivers. 2nd on the team with 46 receptions for 408 yards and a team leading 5 touchdowns.
Receptions: 46 | Receiving Yards: 408 | Receiving TD’s: 5
Isaiah Likely | #80
Likely had a quiet start but has come on strong of late.
Receptions: 25 | Receiving Yards: 275 | Receiving TD’s: 1
Charlie Kollar | #88
Receptions: 10 | Receiving Yards: 142 | Receiving TD’s: 2
KICKER
Tyler Loop | #33
Extra Points: 41-43
Field Goals: 29-32
- 1-19 yards: 0-0
- 20-29 yards:10-10
- 30-39 yards: 11-11
- 40-49 yards: 7-7
- 50+ yards: 1-4
Ravens Defense
- Defensive System: 3-4
Defensive Stats
- Points per game allowed: 23.3 (18th)
- Total offensive yards per game allowed: 352.3 (25th)
- Passing yards allowed: 245.3 (30th)
- Rushing yards allowed: 107.1 (11th)
- Sacks: 28 (30th)
- Interceptions: 11 (15th)
DEFENSIVE LINE
LDE: Travis Jones | #98
Tackles: 42 | Sacks: 4
DT: John Jenkins | #94
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 1
RDE: Brent Urban | #97
Tackles: 16 | Sacks: 0.5
LINEBACKERS
WLB: Kyle Van Noy | #53
Tackles: 18 | Sacks: 2 | INT: 1
LILB: Roquan Smith | #0
Tackles: 127 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RILB: Teddye Buchanan | #40
Tackles: 85 | Sacks: 0.5 | INT: 0
SLB: Dre’Mont Jones | #41
Tackles: 17 | Sacks: 2.5 | INT: 0
SECONDARY
LCB: Nate Wiggins | #2
Tackles: 72 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 3
SS: Kyle Hamilton | #14
Tackles: 96 | Sacks: 1 | INT: 0
FS: Alohi Gilman | #12
Tackles: 59 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
RCB: Chidobe Awuzie | #21
Tackles: 36 | Sacks: 0 | INT: 0
*Injured/Out
Steelers vs Ravens History
Series History: Began in 1996
Overall Record: 37-27
- Home: 21-12
- Away: 16-15
- Postseason: 3-2
Streak: Pittsburgh won the last game.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 27-22 (Dec. 7, 2025)
Last postseason meeting: Ravens Win, 28-14 (Jan. 11, 2025)
Injury Report (1/2/25)
Pittsburgh Steelers
IR: OT Broderick Jones (Neck)
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Baltimore Ravens
IR: N/A
Out: None
Doubtful: None
Questionable: WR Rashad Bateman (Illness), DT Taven Brayn* (Knee), CB Marlon Humphrey (Illness)
Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
2025 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE (9-7)
Sun. Sept. 7 at N.Y. Jets | W- 34-32
Sun. Sept. 14 vs Seattle | L- 31-17
Sun. Sept. 21 at New England | W- 21-14
Sun. Sept. 28 vs Minnesota | W- 24-21
BYE WEEK
Sun. Oct. 12 Cleveland | W- 23-9
Thur. Oct. 16 at Cincinnati | L- 33-31
Sun. Oct. 26 vs Green Bay | L- 35-25
Sun. Nov. 2 vs Indianapolis | W- 27-20
Sun. Nov. 9 at L.A. Chargers | L- 25-10
Sun. Nov. 16 vs Cincinnati | W- 34-12
Sun. Nov. 23 at Chicago | L- 31-28
Sun. Nov. 30 vs Buffalo | L- 26-7
Sun. Dec. 7 at Baltimore | W- 27-22
Mon. Dec. 15 vs Miami | W- 28-15
Sun. Dec. 21 at Detroit | W- 29-24
Sun. Dec. 28 at Cleveland | L- 13-6
Sun. Jan. 4 vs Baltimore 8:20 p.m.
* *Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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