The Pittsburgh Steelers play in one of the most physical divisions in the NFL. The AFC North officially formed in 2002 and there have been constant bloodbaths on the field between all teams involved. The Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all put their best feet forward each year, but the Steelers and Ravens have had the most success in the past two decades or so. Each season brings news challenges and unique opportunities, and 2025 will be no different. Each organization has its strengths and weaknesses, making the anticipated matchups must-watch television every time they end up occurring during the regular season.
Joe Sargent / Getty Images
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) and Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh talk during warmups before the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
With the 2025 NFL schedule release commencing on Wednesday evening, teams around the league learned what their fates would be come September and afterwards. The Steelers weren't dealt a great hand, especially because the stretch at the end of the year could be incredibly difficult. This was the case when the franchise lost its final five contests of 2024.
Given the fact that divisional opponents are often playing a lot of the same teams, it is fair to assume that other AFC North squads will have to be at their bests throughout 2025. The Ravens, however, could be in for a rude awakening, despite the hype surrounding the team. ESPN reporter for Baltimore, Jamison Hensley, highlighted this on X.
Instant reaction: this is a gauntlet of a schedule for Ravens.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 15, 2025
It’s a daunting start with games vs. Bills, Lions and Chiefs in September.
It’s a challenging middle part of the schedule with 3 straight road games.
And it’s a difficult finish with 3 road games in final 4 weeks.
All of what Hensley mentioned via his post on social media should come off as difficult for the Steelers' rival. On top of that, Hensley noted that it's the beginning part of the year that already should be looked at as worrisome.
This is arguably the most challenging start in Ravens history.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 15, 2025
Baltimore faces three strong Super Bowl contenders in September: at the Bills, home vs. the Lions and at the Chiefs. Those teams were a combined 43-8 last season.
More takeaways:https://t.co/3ZPUEElIdJ
While Pittsburgh has to face both the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions, the games are nearly a month apart from one another. For the Ravens, the two contests will occur within two weeks of one another. That is not going to be ideal, and then the Kansas City Chiefs will be thrown in on a short week after a Monday Night Football matchup versus the Lions.
AP Photo / Don Wright
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talk on the field prior to a competitive matchup in Pittsburgh, PA.
Every game in the NFL is hard to win, but it's even more difficult to start any given season off slow and then bounce back. The Ravens will be facing fierce tests to begin the year; whereas, the Steelers schedule gets harder on the backend. In 2024, Pittsburgh had an easier frontend of the schedule, which allowed for a 10-3 start despite quarterback uncertainty. Even with a four-game skid to end the year, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and co. made the postseason.
Baltimore could potentially begin the season with a record of 1-3. There is also a divisional game mixed in against the Browns in Week 2, which could be a letdown contest with Detroit traveling to Baltimore in Week 3. On top of all of that, the Ravens will have to then play the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams before a Week 7 bye. If there is any positive at all, it's that four of the first six matchups are at home.
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh (left) and Steelers Head Coach (Mike Tomlin) greet each other near midfield after a professional football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Need To Take Advantage Of Baltimore's Tough Schedule From Afar
Pittsburgh will not meet the Ravens until Week 14, which gives Tomlin and co. plenty of time to create some separation in the AFC North. The Bengals and Browns still exist, but Baltimore is the favorite to win the division as the summer months approach. It doesn't look all that promising for Head Coach John Harbaugh and his group, which could make for an extremely interesting year in one of the league's most fascinating divisions.
Do you think the Ravens can make it out of September with a winning record? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
