The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Baltimore Ravens in week 11 in a massive AFC North clash.
First place in the division was on the line. Pittsburgh entered the game on a four-game winning streak, and Baltimore entered the game having won seven of their previous eight games. Both teams were riding high entering the massive divisional showdown.
A typical Steelers-Ravens contest was a low-scoring, close matchup, decided once again by one score.
Below, we will recap the massive contest between the Steelers and Ravens and discuss the impact of the results on the division and playoffs.
Steelers Defeat Ravens
Yet another Steelers vs Ravens contest was a low-scoring, close contest.
In a game where points were difficult to come by, this game came down to the kickers. Chris Boswell outshined Justin Tucker in the contest. Tucker went 1-3 on FGs, missing a 50-yard field goal and a 47-yard field goal. Chris Boswell shined for the Steelers. Boswell was 6-6 on field goals. He hit two 32-yard field goals, a 52-yard field goal, a 57-yard field goal, a 20-yard field goal, and a 50-yard field goal.
Chris Boswell produced the only points for the Steelers. Russell Wilson and the offense moved the ball but had to settle for six field goals. Wilson was under duress for much of the game. He was sacked four times and threw an interception that could have been costly. Wilson’s interception was in the endzone when the Steelers needed at least a field goal. However, Pittsburgh’s defense bailed out the offense in this contest.
Wilson went 23/36, 205 passing yards, zero passing TDs, and one interception. Najee Harris had 18 rush attempts but could only gain 63 rushing yards. George Pickens had eight catches and 89 receiving yards.
Baltimore’s offense struggled as well. Lamar Jackson went 16/33, 207 passing yards, one passing TD, and one interception. Derrick Henry had 65 rushing yards on 13 carries and one rushing TD but Henry also lost a fumble. Isaiah Likely had four catches, 75 receiving yards, and lost a fumble.
This game came down to the kickers, and Chris Boswell outshined Justin Tucker to give the Steelers a massive win.
Steelers In Command Of AFC North
This win gave the Steelers a huge edge in the AFC North.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-2
- Baltimore Ravens: 7-4
- Cincinnati Bengals: 4-7
- Cleveland Browns: 2-8
Pittsburgh still has five more division matchups this season, but getting the win over Baltimore puts the Steelers in a position to control their destiny in the division. The Steelers face another divisional opponent in week 12, as they are on the road against the Browns on Thursday Night Football.
What also helps the Steelers is that they defeated the Ravens and the Browns and Bengals lost in week 11.
With an 8-2 record, the Steelers have their eyes on first place in the AFC. The Kansas City Chiefs are first in the AFC with a 9-1 record. Buffalo is second in the AFC with a 9-2 record. Buffalo defeated the Chiefs in week 11. If the Steelers can keep playing well, they will position themselves to have a home playoff game and possibly finish first in the AFC.
While it remains unlikely the Steelers finish first in the AFC, the chances of winning the AFC North after defeating Baltimore in week 11 went way up.
