After defeating their arch-nemesis at home, Pittsburgh now travels to Baltimore looking for the same outcome. An 18-16 effort in Week 11 was enough for the Steelers to pull out the W and eventually secure a playoff birth. Now, after a season of battling for the top dog in the AFC North, the crown is all but up for grabs this Saturday afternoon.

The only problem with this fairy-tale ending for the Steelers is that the Ravens appear to be entering their prime. Following their Bye Week in Week 14, the Ravens embarrassed the New York Giants. Lamar Jackson’s five touchdowns give more insight as to why he could be on his way to a third MVP trophy (second in a row). Jackson’s five touchdowns propelled his squad to a convincing 35-14 road victory.

The story for Pittsburgh was slightly different. The Steelers traveled to Philadelphia, a place they have yet to win in now 60 years. That script did not change as the Steelers dropped their second game with Russell Wilson at QB by way of a 27-13 defeat. It was an unhealthy lineup in Philadelphia that did not have their best day. Now, regaining some health, Pittsburgh looks to respond and claim the AFC North title. If not, it will be a stressful final two weeks with fate potentially no longer in their hands.

Speaking of health, the Ravens see a couple of key pieces on their Week 16 injury report. This includes two receivers, Rashod Bateman (foot) and Nelson Agholor (concussion) who are listed as questionable and out, respectively. Another receiver, Diontae Johnson, will not play due to non-injury-related issues. Also on offense, guard Daniel Faalele (knee) is questionable for this Saturday's duel. Finally, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle) is also questionable.

The injury bug has not left the Steelers either. This week, they will be without key offensive pieces George Pickens (hamstring) and Justin Fields (abdominal) and without safety DeShon Elliott for the second week in a row with a hamstring injury. The list does not stop there for defensive injuries though, as both Donte Jackson (back) and Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are questionable too.

With a gauntlet of health issues for both squads, let us look at some key storylines that could play large roles in this rendition of the black and gold vs. the black and purple.

Current G.O.A.T vs. All-time G.O.A.T?

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

Is this a war between the best current NFL kicker and the best all-time kicker? Well, if that is the case, the best all-time did not look too impressive at all, essentially losing the game for his side. Tucker’s 1⁄3 FG showing from Acrisure Stadium was the difference maker in the two-point game.

Boswell, on the other hand, has been mere perfect all season long. No. 9 is 38/41 on the season and is currently leading all NFL kickers in Pro Bowl voting. As the rivalry shifts to Baltimore, it will be interesting to see whether or not Tucker can turn things around and if Boswell can continue his scorching hot season.

Embracing the discomfort

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

An 18-16 final score is by no means a pretty game for either team. When has it been pretty with the Steelers and Ravens though? With that score, that is now each of the previous nine games between these two being decided by a touchdown or less. Of those nine tight games, the Steelers came out on top in eight.

That will be the key once more as the stakes are arguably the highest they have been in years. There is going to be mistakes from both sides, even the MVP candidate Jackson is not perfect. His one interception was enough for Pittsburgh to use as momentum and take control of the game in Week 11. This time around, momentum will start with Baltimore as they play host. The question is will Pittsburgh be able to steal it, use it, and sustain it?

What it all means

As mentioned earlier, this is it, this is for all the marbles. A win for Baltimore leaves the door wide open for them to win the AFC North. A win for Pittsburgh solidifies the division and locks it up for the black and gold for the first time since 2020.

The Steelers have done just what they need to in order to be in this position. Their Week 14 victory over Cleveland leaves fate in their hands, with the opportunity to pounce now.

Baltimore has done just what they need to do as well. Their post-bye Week thumping of the Giants puts them right where they need to be in order to rip the rug from under Pittsburgh, potentially squandering their division hopes.

Expect the unexpected and strap up for the most important Steelers-Ravens tilt in quite some time.

Score prediction: Steelers 20, Ravens 18