Regardless of the outcome of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 13 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, the biggest contest of the season will come in Week 14 versus the Baltimore Ravens. Whichever franchise wins that game will be in first place of the AFC North through 14 weeks. The two organizations could be set to be on a collision course for Week 18, which could make for flex scheduling and a Sunday Night Football matchup to determine the division. Things are starting to get extremely interesting, but the Ravens have the advantage with a mini-bye week after playing on Thanksgiving day.
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.
Joe Burrow returned for the Cincinnati Bengals and did a huge favor for Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his team. Defeating the Ravens by a score of 32-14 was much appreciated in the Steel City. Even if the Steelers were able to beat the Bills and improve to 7-5, the winner of the Week 14 will hold a lead in the AFC North due to head-to-head record.
Barring a setback from Aaron Rodgers, he will be Pittsburgh's quarterback moving forward, despite a broken wrist on his non-throwing hand. Every part of the Steelers' offense has been inconsistent in 2025. One of the biggest concerns has been the wide receiving corps. Even DK Metcalf has not lived up to expectations, which has been a massive disappointment.
There is, however, a possibility that Rodgers and co. catch a big break looking ahead to Week 14's showdown with the Ravens. Baltimore's top cornerback could be in line to watch the game from the sidelines.
John Harbaugh said Nate Wiggins' foot injury is not serious in terms of it being long-term, but he likely won't be back next game.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) November 28, 2025
On Thanksgiving, Nate Wiggins suffered a foot injury and it appeared as if he could barely walk on the sidelines. It turns out that it isn't as serious as it may have looked, but he is unlikely to be ready to play against the Steelers. Baltimore is rather thin at the cornerback position, so it will be important for Rodgers to take advantage of the lack of depth.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) points in the direction of one of his teammates as the group practices during a 2025 training camp work out at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Wiggins has emerged as an important defender for the Ravens in 2025. His potential absence could seriously be an issue for his team when a crucial AFC North contest takes place down in Maryland. Pittsburgh has refused to get the receivers involved all that often throughout the course of the campaign, but it would be wise to get them more involved, especially if Wiggins is on the sidelines due to an injury.
Nate Wiggins has become an integral part of the Baltimore Ravens defense, no doubt we missed him in the second half against the Bengals.
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) November 29, 2025
Hopefully Nate Dogg will be back regulating soon! pic.twitter.com/GEbGIf2fHA
The Steelers know how unfortunate it can be to lose important defenders in games. It completely changes the scheme that can be run and truly affects the ability of the unit to accomplish exactly what it wants to. Not having someone like Wiggins will almost certainly give Pittsburgh an advantage. The more intriguing part will be watching to see if Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith attacks the expected weakness.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) alongside Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Season May Be Close To Over Without A Win Over Baltimore In Week 14
Anything can happen, but if Pittsburgh falls to the Ravens, it's going to be hard to bounce back, particularly with a game against a desperate Detroit Lions team remaining on the schedule. On the other hand, Baltimore's December slate isn't too easy either. A lot can happen in the AFC North during the final stretch of the season, with scenarios varying.
The Bengals can even win the division at 8-9. The Steelers' offense will need to take advantage of Wiggins' absence to gain an advantage in Week 14, which could give them a big-time path to winning the most puzzling division in all of football.
Do you think that the Steelers will capitalize if Wiggins misses the Week 14 matchup? Let us know in the comments below!
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