The Baltimore Ravens have secured the top spot in the AFC, allowing them to give important players, like potential MVP winner Lamar Jackson, a break in their final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Conversely, the Steelers must win this game to improve their chances of making it to the playoffs.
Given the higher significance of the match for the Steelers, the majority of experts we analyzed (34 out of 45) have forecasted their victory over the Ravens. However, it is worth mentioning that the Ravens will still be making every effort to win, particularly as they face their archrivals.
Head Coach John Harbaugh stated that regardless of the opponent, his team always has an abundance of motivation. As professional football players, they have a genuine passion for playing the game, giving their best performance, and ultimately winning. The fact that they will be facing a division rival, the Steelers, only adds to their determination rather than diminishing it.
The Ravens and Steelers had a similar encounter in the final game of the 2019 season, where the Ravens emerged victorious with a 28-10 score, resulting in the Steelers being knocked out of the playoffs.
There is consensus among pundits that the outcome of the game will be a narrow victory for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh is in need of assistance to secure a playoff spot, yet the team has achieved two consecutive victories under quarterback Mason Rudolph. Astonishingly, the Steelers have managed to amass a total of 64 points in the two games since Rudolph became the starting quarterback. Consequently, it is likely that Pittsburgh will display immense determination and drive going forward.
Should the Steelers emerge victorious in this match, their entry into the playoffs is contingent upon either the Jaguars or the Bills experiencing defeat. Essentially, this game carries immense significance for the Steelers while holding no importance for the Ravens. Therefore, Pittsburgh seems like the logical choice, but unpredictability reigns supreme during Week 18. Ultimately, the outcome hinges on whether I believe the Steelers’ main players can outperform a Ravens team that will probably field a combination of starters and substitutes. It’s surprising to say, but I must go against the odds and select the Ravens.
Fitzpatrick has just come back to training after hurting his knee in a game against the Colts in Week 15. However, there is less doubt about his availability for the upcoming game against the Ravens compared to the previous two weeks. The Ravens will have Tyler Huntley as their starting quarterback instead of Jackson, and Huntley has thrown one touchdown pass but also three interceptions in three games against the Steelers. It’s worth mentioning that Fitzpatrick is about to achieve an unprecedented season with no interceptions. With seconds to go in a crucial final game, Fitzpatrick manages to intercept Huntley, ensuring his accomplishment remains intact.
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