Hey NFL fans, are you ready for one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 season? The Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers preview is here, breaking down everything you need to know about this Week 18 showdown on January 4, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium. With the AFC North title on the line, this Ravens-Steelers rivalry game could define playoff seeding and send one team into the postseason with momentum. As always, this NFL match preview includes head-to-head history, key players to watch, injury updates, predicted lineups, and fan expectations. Let’s dive in and see why this is a can’t-miss NFL Week 18 game.
Ravens vs Steelers Head-to-Head History: A Fierce Rivalry
The Ravens vs Steelers head-to-head record is a testament to one of the NFL’s most intense rivalries. All-time, the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the series 37-27 in 64 meetings, including a 3-2 edge in postseason games. Since the Ravens’ inception in 1996, these AFC North foes have clashed twice a year, often in hard-hitting, low-scoring battles.
In recent years, the Steelers have dominated, going 8-1 against the Ravens since 2020, with each game decided by one score. However, Baltimore snapped a five-game losing streak to Pittsburgh earlier this season in Week 11, winning 18-16 on a last-second field goal. That sets the stage for a split series in 2025, but with division implications, expect another nail-biter. Historically, home teams have a slight edge, but in this rivalry, anything goes—making this Ravens vs Steelers preview all about grit and execution.
Key Players to Watch in Ravens vs Steelers Week 18 Matchup
In any Ravens-Steelers preview, the spotlight shines on game-changers who can swing the momentum. For the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson is the ultimate X-factor. With his dual-threat ability, Jackson has thrown for over 3,500 yards and rushed for 800+ this season, making him a nightmare for defenses. Running back Derrick Henry, the bruising force, leads the NFL in rushing yards and could exploit Pittsburgh’s run defense.
On defense, linebacker Roquan Smith anchors the unit with his tackling prowess, while safety Kyle Hamilton disrupts passing lanes. Keep an eye on wide receiver Zay Flowers for big plays downfield.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Russell Wilson (assuming he starts) brings veteran poise, but backup Justin Fields could see action if needed. Running back Najee Harris powers the ground game, and wide receiver George Pickens stretches the field with his contested catches.
Defensively, even if T.J. Watt is sidelined, edge rusher Alex Highsmith and linebacker Patrick Queen (a former Raven) will aim to contain Jackson. This NFL Week 18 matchup could hinge on these stars delivering in clutch moments.
Injury Updates: Ravens vs Steelers Health Check
Heading into this pivotal NFL Week 18 game, injury updates are crucial in our Ravens vs Steelers preview. For the Ravens, star quarterback Lamar Jackson is dealing with a back injury from Week 16 but is considered likely to play, per reports. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman’s status is uncertain due to a lingering issue, but the team expects him to suit up. The Ravens’ defense is relatively healthy, though cornerback Marlon Humphrey is monitoring a minor ailment.
On the Steelers’ side, All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt is a long shot to play due to a lung injury, which could weaken their pass rush significantly. The Steelers’ defense is described as banged-up overall, with several players nursing injuries from a grueling season. Running back Jaylen Warren and others might be limited, forcing Pittsburgh to rely on depth. Check official NFL injury reports closer to kickoff for the latest, as these could shift betting odds and game plans.
Predicted Lineups for Ravens vs Steelers NFL Week 18 Game
In this Ravens vs Steelers preview, let’s project the starting lineups based on recent trends and reports. For Baltimore, expect a balanced attack:
- Offense: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry, WRs Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, TE Mark Andrews, OL featuring Ronnie Stanley at LT.
- Defense: DL Justin Madubuike, LBs Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen (wait, Queen is now with Steelers—correction: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson), CBs Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, S Kyle Hamilton.
For Pittsburgh:
- Offense: QB Russell Wilson, RB Najee Harris, WRs George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, TE Pat Freiermuth, OL with Broderick Jones at LT.
- Defense: DL Cam Heyward, EDGE Alex Highsmith (if Watt out), LBs Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, CBs Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, S Minkah Fitzpatrick.
These predicted lineups assume no last-minute changes from injuries. The Steelers might lean on their run game without Watt, while the Ravens could air it out if Jackson is fully healthy.
Fan Expectations and Buzz for Ravens vs Steelers Preview
Fan expectations are sky-high for this NFL Week 18 Ravens vs Steelers matchup, with supporters from both sides buzzing about the division title implications. Ravens fans are optimistic, pointing to their Week 11 win and Jackson’s MVP-caliber play as reasons Baltimore will clinch the AFC North. Many predict a close victory, like 24-20, emphasizing home-field pressure on Pittsburgh.
Steelers Nation, however, is fired up for revenge, banking on their recent dominance in the series and a stout defense to pull off the upset. Social media is ablaze with chants of “Here We Go” and predictions of a 17-14 grinder. Overall, fans expect a physical, low-scoring affair—classic Ravens-Steelers football—with the winner earning bragging rights and a better playoff seed.
As we wrap this Ravens vs Steelers preview, mark your calendars for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. This NFL Week 18 game isn’t just a matchup; it’s a rivalry renewal with postseason stakes. Who ya got? Drop your predictions below!
