A Steelers Victory Over Ravens Could Lead To Problematic First-Round Playoff Matchup

There will be a lot on the line when the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to play the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. First things first, the AFC North could be won by Mike Tomlin and his team if they find a way to steal yet another win versus their division rival. It won't be easy with George Pickens out of the lineup for the third-straight game, however. It's nice for fans in the Steel City to know that the franchise will be playing in the postseason no matter what, but the Black and Gold faithful has been dying for a home playoff game since its last during the 2020 season.

The Steelers will head to Baltimore as big underdogs, which hasn't typically worked well for the Ravens in the past, particularly in recent seasons. Pittsburgh has won eight of the last nine contests, which means that Baltimore has a great deal of pressure entering Saturday's matchup. There are different playoff implications on the line, but the most important reality for Pittsburgh is the AFC North crown will head back to the Steel City with a win.

After Thursday Night Football's game featuring the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos, things got a little more interesting when it comes to the postseason picture. Overall, the Chargers' final two games are extremely winnable. This would give them a record of 11-6. For the Ravens, the good news is that they, like the Steelers, defeated both Los Angeles and Denver, which means holding the tie-breaker in the event that it matters.

The Broncos have a tough final two games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs, but if Pittsburgh were to win in Baltimore, and the Ravens stumble into a Christmas Day game versus the Houston Texans, finishing with a record of 10-7 is absolutely possible. This would likely lead to Pittsburgh being the three seed, while Baltimore would hold the sixth. That would mean another divisional showdown, but this time, in the postseason.

Looking at playoff scenarios can make a person's head spin, but the reality is that a third contest between the Steelers and Ravens could occur in the Wild Card Round. There is also a scenario, with the Texans lurking, that has Houston as the three and Pittsburgh as the four. So, realistically, an AFC North playoff matchup could end up happening in more ways than one.

If Pittsburgh does win the division Saturday, it's safe to say that the Steelers do indeed own the Ravens of late, but everything should be thrown out the window during elimination games. Division rivals know each other extremely well, and anyone can come out on top at any moment, during any part of the season. Pittsburgh felt this firsthand when it lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.

Looking at the potential Wild Card matchups, if the Steelers are able to win the division, it would be foolish for fans to want to play Baltimore instead of the Chargers or Broncos. 

A win on Saturday sets up Pittsburgh to host a home game in the postseason, but the final two weeks would end up determining which team will be the opposition in January. It's a scary thought to have to go up against Lamar Jackson (despite his previous woes against Pittsburgh) and Derrick Henry for a third time in one year.

Steelers Not Getting Ahead Of Themselves As Playoffs Quickly Approach

It's fun for fans to look at any and all scenarios, but for Pittsburgh's roster and coaching staff, the goal right now is to take it one game at a time and let everything else fall into place. It would not be ideal to have to take on a division rival, and specifically the Ravens, in the first round of the 2024 postseason, but that is still nearly a month away. The focus is winning the division, getting healthy, and letting everything else happen the way it's supposed to.

Would you want the Steelers to draw the Ravens in round one of the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!

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