Steelers' Cameron Heyward Challenges AFC North Rival Ravens With Big Week 18 Matchup On The Horizon

The Pittsburgh Steelers had every chance to clinch the AFC North in Week 17. First, the Baltimore Ravens had to go into Lambeau Field and defeat the Green Bay Packers without superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. Against all odds, the Ravens found a way, led by running back Derrick Henry, who had an absurd performance, going for 216 yards on 36 carries with four touchdowns in the Ravens' 41-24 upset victory. This made the Steelers' matchup vs the Cleveland Browns and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders of utmost importance.

If the Steelers defeated the at-the-time 3-12 Browns, they would have clinched the AFC North title, solidifying spot in the playoffs. However, the Browns had other ideas. The Steelers offense was stifled throughout the game, not scoring a touchdown in the 13- 6 loss, setting up a win-and-get-in Week 18 showdown at home against the rival Ravens. 

The Steelers' 2025 season has been full of highs and lows. From a blistering start to a middling 6-6 record to then rattling off three straight wins against the Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions, the 2025 Steelers have been a rollercoaster ride. If the team wants to continue its ride into the playoffs, it'll have to defend home field one more time. 

While the AFC North crown looked all but certain after last week, things can change quickly in the NFL, especially in the always chaotic AFC North. The one fortunate thing is that the Steelers and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers are still in complete control of their own destiny. Win, and you're in, but after the highs of Week 16 to the devastating lows of Week 17, the veteran-laden team will have to turn the page to its rivals, and quickly.

In his post-game press conference, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward did not mince words when being asked about what was the goal moving forward following the tough loss.

"Go home, bring on Baltimore," Heyward said.

Fortunately, this is a Steelers team that's been there before, filled with playoff experience and veterans, led by Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Rodgers. This is a group that will not feel sorry for itself, will not blink under pressure, and will have to be at its best against the Ravens. 

The Ravens went into Saturday evening thinking their season was all but over as they needed two improbable things to happen after all, one of which they had no control over. The Steelers' disappointment gave the Ravens' new life. Both teams will have a chance to get the job done.

Steelers Will Have To Win Without Their Star Receiver 

Much of the Steelers' struggles throughout their Week 17 loss to the Browns can be attributed to the suspension of receiver DK Metcalf, who served the first of his two-game suspension after an altercation with a fan during the Steelers' Week 16 victory against the Lions. The explosive big-play ability of Metcalf was sorely missed, as the Browns' defense was able to key in on not allowing any playmakers to beat it deep.

No Steelers receiver truly stepped up without Metcalf, something that will have to change if the Steelers want to defeat the Ravens and win the AFC North. Rodgers tried going to receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling often. Still, the two just weren't on the same page, with Valdes-Scantling hauling in three receptions for 21 yards on seven targets, including three incomplete passes to end the game from inside the 10-yard line. 

With Metcalf still suspended for the Steelers' final game of the regular season, the Steelers will need more from their other receivers, none of whom had over three receptions in their defeat to the Browns.

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